The Gombe State Police Command, in collaboration with the Gombe State Professional Hunters Association, has recorded a major breakthrough against an inter-state kidnapping gang, neutralising two suspects, arresting seven others, and recovering a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) alongside ammunition during coordinated operations across the state.
The operation followed a series of targeted raids on criminal enclaves linked to a syndicate believed to be operating across Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe and Adamawa states.
In a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the crackdown began after officers received actionable intelligence.
“On 23rd November 2025, at about 0400hrs, credible intelligence was received from a Good Samaritan implicating one Abdullahi Ibrahim, 40 years, of Tilde Village, Funakaye LGA, in harbouring criminals suspected to be involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling.
The suspect was promptly arrested, and a preliminary investigation commenced,” he stated.
Abdullahi said the momentum of the investigation increased as more information emerged.
“On 28th November 2025, at about 1920hrs, the suspect confessed involvement in cattle rustling and multiple kidnapping operations within Gombe State,” he added.
Acting on the revelations, operatives attached to Operation Hattara and members of the Professional Hunters Association raided several hideouts, leading to the arrest of six additional suspects Usman Mohd, 30; Hussain Idris, 37; Adamu Tukur, 37; Yau Abdullahi, 25; Ali Umar, 18; and Hassan Usman, 40 alongside the earlier-detained Abdullahi Ibrahim, all from Tilde Village in Funakaye LGA.
According to the PPRO, “All suspects confessed during preliminary interviews to participating in several kidnapping operations and receiving an estimated ₦150,000,000 ransom from their victims.”
Further intelligence directed officers to the Gadam bush, where a firearm was suspected to have been hidden.
As operatives advanced, they reportedly came under attack from armed members of the gang.
A brief exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in the neutralization of two suspected kidnappers, recovery of one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and recovery of eight rounds of live ammunition,” Abdullahi confirmed.
He said the bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at the Specialist Hospital Mortuary, Gombe.
The gang was also linked to the abduction of a resident of Barderi Village in Akko LGA on 15 January 2025, during which the victim was held for two weeks before relatives paid a ransom of ₦15 million.
The victim later identified some of the suspects during a police parade, with other victims also confirming them as their abductors.
Abdullahi said all suspects and recovered exhibits are currently undergoing further investigation and profiling before prosecution.
The Command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to securing the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations.