The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a kidnappers’ hideout in Sauka, a neighbourhood along Airport Road in Abuja.
This operation, executed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, led to the arrest of four suspects, including a known ex-convict.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Thursday.
She detailed that the arrests took place on October 1, 2024, after the Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted on credible intelligence.
The police tracked the suspects to their hideout in Sauka, where they were apprehended without incident.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Yau Sani, also known as Baba; Nuhu, also called Giwa; Kabiru Mohammed; and Yusuf Hassan.
According to SP Adeh, these suspects have been a source of fear for residents in the FCT and nearby areas.
“They are allegedly responsible for multiple kidnappings across the Federal Capital Territory,” she explained.
During questioning, the suspects confessed to being involved in the abduction of many victims.
Shockingly, they admitted to the killings of seven individuals during their criminal activities.
The group reportedly carried out attacks in various areas, including Dakwa, Dawaki, Aco Estate, Dupe Village near Zuma Rock, and Kuchiko Village.
Their crimes extended beyond Abuja to other states, including Niger and Kaduna.
Following their arrest, the suspects led the police to another hideout located in the Gauraka Forest in Suleja, Niger State.
There, police uncovered a large cache of weapons.
This included four AK-47 rifles, 13 AK-47 magazines, and 162 rounds of live ammunition.
The discovery has raised concerns about the scale of their operations.
The suspects revealed that they had plans to carry out further attacks on government institutions and residential estates within the FCT.
However, due to the proactive measures taken by the police, these planned attacks were thwarted.
SP Adeh reaffirmed the FCT Police Command’s commitment to eradicating crime and ensuring the safety of all residents.
“Our mission is to protect the citizens of the Federal Capital Territory from harm,” she stated.
She also emphasized the role of community cooperation in the fight against crime.
“The public must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities,” she urged.
Citizens are encouraged to use the designated emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653 to report incidents.
Additionally, complaints can be filed with the Police Complaints Bureau (PCB) at 09022222352 or the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) at 08107314192.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a serious issue, causing fear among many citizens.
The Nigerian government has been under pressure to improve security and combat the rising tide of crime.
The FCT Police’s successful operation may encourage more community involvement in the fight against crime.
“Crime can only be stopped when we work together,” said another resident. “We must support the police in any way we can.”
SP Adeh reminded the public that community vigilance is crucial.
“Safety is a collective responsibility. We all have a role to play,” she said.
