By Chimezie Godfrey
The FCT Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes with the dismantling of a suspected six-man kidnapping syndicate operating within parts of the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring communities.
The operation, according to the police, led to the arrest of one suspect, the death of two suspected gang members during an exchange of gunfire, and the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Josephine Adeh, the operation was carried out on May 3, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around the Karshi axis bordering the FCT and Nasarawa State.
According to Adeh, operatives of the Command stormed a suspected hideout used by the gang during the coordinated raid.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the suspects allegedly opened fire on the operatives immediately they sighted the police team, leading to a gun duel.
Adeh stated that during the exchange, two suspected members of the gang identified as Baba Ibrahim, also known as “Tsoho,” and Isah Shehu, were fatally wounded.
According to the statement, three other suspected gang members escaped from the scene with suspected gunshot injuries, while one suspect was arrested during the operation.
The police further disclosed that a search conducted at the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one pistol, and 17 rounds of live ammunition.
According to Adeh, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate allegedly consisted of suspects identified as Khalid, Dan Geskiya, Mohammadu Mai Tsage, Isah Shehu, Dogo, and the alleged gang leader, Baba Ibrahim alias “Tsoho.”
The police spokesperson stated that investigators linked the group to multiple kidnapping incidents around Gwagwalada, Nyanya, Jikwoyi, and Karshi areas of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the statement, the gang allegedly abducted at least 12 victims during its operations.
The Command further alleged that the syndicate was involved in violent criminal acts, including the killing of victims after collecting ransom payments estimated at over ₦60 million.
Adeh disclosed that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the gang, while the suspect in custody would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, commended operatives of the Anti-Violence Crime Unit for what he described as professionalism, bravery, and tactical precision during the operation.
According to Adeh, the Commissioner also appealed to hospitals and medical practitioners within and around the FCT to report individuals presenting gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest police station.
The police spokesperson further urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.