In a major breakthrough against rising insecurity, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested two notorious kidnap kingpins who have been terrorizing residents of Abuja and its surrounding areas. The successful operation also led to the rescue of a kidnapped victim and the recovery of a large cache of weapons and cash.
The police identified the arrested suspects as Masud Abdullahi, a native of Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, who is believed to be the leader of the kidnapping gang, and his accomplice, Muhammad Tahir from Jos, Plateau State.
According to a statement released by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the arrest followed a counter-kidnapping operation carried out on August 16, 2025, by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
The operation was launched shortly after the criminals struck an estate in the Karu area of Abuja. The kidnappers reportedly broke into the residence of a legal practitioner, Barrister Henry Chichi, and whisked him away to an unknown location.
“Immediately the case was reported, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command was deployed. The operatives moved swiftly and mounted intense pressure on the criminals,” SP Adeh stated.
The police efforts paid off less than 24 hours later. On August 17, the team successfully rescued the victim, Barrister Chichi, from the kidnappers.
Further intelligence and tracking efforts led the police to intercept the kidnappers’ vehicle along the Guraku axis on the Nasarawa–FCT highway. The vehicle, which was already under surveillance, lost control during the chase. While some members of the gang managed to flee, the police apprehended the gang leader, Masud Abdullahi, and his associate, Muhammad Tahir.
The arrested suspects later confessed to the crime and gave vital information to the police, which led the team to their hideout in Karshi Forest, located in Nasarawa State. During a follow-up raid at the hideout, the operatives arrested another gang member, identified as Kabiru Jibril.
Among the items recovered from the gang’s hideout were three AK-47 rifles with magazines, one G3 rifle with a magazine, sixteen rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, one Tecno handset believed to be used for ransom negotiations, and N7.4 million in cash likely ransom money collected from previous victims.
The police believe the arrest and weapon seizure have dealt a serious blow to the operations of the gang, which had been operating across the FCT and parts of Nasarawa State for months.
Speaking on the success of the operation, SP Adeh reiterated the Command’s commitment to ridding Abuja of criminal elements. She praised the bravery and swift action of the anti-kidnapping team and encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements around them.
“The Command wishes to assure residents of its unwavering commitment to the safety of lives and property in the FCT. We urge everyone to always report any suspicious activity promptly,” she said.
Kidnapping has been a growing concern in the FCT and surrounding areas in recent years, with several high-profile incidents raising alarm among residents and stakeholders. Many communities in the outskirts of Abuja, such as Karu, Gwagwalada, Bwari, and Kuje, have witnessed repeated attacks by armed kidnappers, often operating in organized gangs.
Experts have long blamed the rise in kidnapping on poor surveillance in border communities between the FCT and neighboring states like Nasarawa, Niger, and Kogi. The bushy terrain in areas like Karshi, Gidan Mangoro, and Gurku has made it easier for criminals to hide and plan their attacks.
However, security agencies say they are stepping up efforts to counter the trend through intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated raids like the one that led to this latest arrest.
This successful operation is being seen as a positive sign by residents who have been living in fear due to the growing threat of abduction. Many are calling for sustained action by the police and more support from the government to ensure long-term security.
