The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected masterminds linked to a series of high-profile kidnappings and murders across Abuja and neighbouring states.
In a statement released Thursday by FCT Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects — Ya’u Shittu (27) from Kaduna State, Sale Usman (30) from Niger State, and Ibrahim Abdullahi (28) from Abuja — were apprehended during coordinated sting operations conducted between June 13 and 18, 2025.
The operations were led by the Command’s elite Scorpion Squad across Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa states.
The trio had been on the police wanted list for their alleged involvement in several violent crimes. According to police, the suspects confessed to a number of kidnappings and killings, including the 2024 murder of a pastor in Mpape and the abduction of children in the same community — where their father was shot dead.
They were also linked to the kidnapping of a woman whose family reportedly paid a ransom of N10 million, with each gang member receiving N500,000.
Police credited the breakthrough to what they described as “credible digital reconstructive intelligence” under the leadership of ACP Victor O. Godfrey.
One of the suspects, Ibrahim Abdullahi — also identified as the gang’s arms supplier — led officers to a hideout in Bukuru, Nasarawa State, on June 18. Upon arrival, the police team came under heavy gunfire from other gang members, triggering a shootout.
Abdullahi attempted to escape during the confrontation but was shot and rearrested. The remaining suspects fled and are currently bein pursued.
Items recovered from the scene included a long knife and various charms.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, praised the bravery and professionalism of the Scorpion Squad and assured residents that efforts to rid the FCT of criminal elements are ongoing.
“This is a major blow to violent crime in the FCT.
We remain committed to ensuring the safety of all residents,” he stated, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
The suspects are currently in custody, while police continue their investigation and search for the remaining gang members.