Police Arrest Notorious Kidnappers Kingpins, Recover Dangerous Weapons and N7.4m Cash

Police Arrest Notorious Kidnap Kingpins, Recover Dangerous Weapons and N7.4m Cash

In a decisive breakthrough against rising cases of abduction, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully apprehended two notorious kidnapping kingpins who have long terrorized communities within Abuja and surrounding states. The suspects were captured during a coordinated counter-kidnapping operation that not only secured the safe release of a victim but also led to the recovery of dangerous weapons and a staggering N7.4 million in cash.

Identification of the Suspects

According to Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the FCT Command, the arrested individuals have been identified as:

• Masud Abdullahi – gang leader from Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
• Muhammad Tahir – an accomplice from Jos, Plateau State.

Both individuals were said to have played major roles in orchestrating abductions in and around Abuja, striking fear into residents and threatening public safety. Their capture marks a significant success in ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks across the nation.

How the Operation Unfolded

The successful operation was set in motion on August 16, 2025, when reports reached the FCT Police Command that heavily armed kidnappers had invaded an estate in Karu, Abuja. The assailants stormed the residence of Barrister Henry Chichi, abducted him forcefully, and whisked him away to an undisclosed location.

Upon receiving the distress report, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Command launched an urgent rescue mission. Acting swiftly, officers deployed intelligence-led strategies, placing immense pressure on the assailants. Their persistence paid off, and by August 17, 2025, the victim was rescued unharmed.

Following the rescue, operatives intensified their manhunt for the perpetrators. In the process, they intercepted a suspicious vehicle along the Guraku axis of the Nasarawa–FCT Highway. The suspects, while attempting to flee, lost control of the vehicle, giving officers the upper hand.

While some members of the gang managed to escape, the ring leader, Masud Abdullahi, and his associate, Muhammad Tahir, were apprehended on the spot. Subsequent interrogations revealed vital information that enabled the police to locate their hideout.

Acting on intelligence provided by the suspects, the police raided a hideout situated deep within the Karshi Forest in Nasarawa State. During this operation, another gang member identified as Kabiru Jibril was captured. The raid not only resulted in arrests but also exposed the arsenal and financial resources of the kidnappers.

Items Recovered from the Kidnappers

The raid led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and cash, highlighting the financial and logistical strength of the group. The items recovered include:

• N7.4 million in cash
• Three AK-47 rifles with magazines
• One G3 rifle with magazine
• Sixteen rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
• One Tecno mobile handset

These items not only demonstrate the level of threat posed by the group but also provide evidence for further investigations aimed at exposing their wider network and possible sponsors.

The FCT, like many parts of Nigeria, has faced increasing challenges posed by kidnapping syndicates in recent years. Such criminal activities have had a devastating impact on families, businesses, and the overall sense of security among residents.

This latest breakthrough sends a clear message that the police are intensifying their fight against organized crime. It is also a reassurance to residents of the capital city that security operatives remain vigilant and committed to ensuring their safety.

Statements from the Police Command

• In her statement, PPRO Josephine Adeh emphasized the importance of community-police collaboration in tackling the menace of kidnapping. She urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, noting that timely intelligence often makes the difference between life and death during kidnapping incidents.

She also applauded the resilience of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, describing their courage and professionalism as critical in securing the safe rescue of victims and apprehending dangerous criminals.

Residents of Karu and its surrounding communities have expressed relief at the arrest of the kidnappers. Many described the development as a welcome step toward restoring peace and order. Business owners in the area, who had been struggling under the fear of kidnappers, believe that the operation will help revive economic confidence.

Families across Abuja also see the success of this operation as proof that law enforcement agencies are capable of dismantling even the most sophisticated kidnapping networks when adequately supported.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative criminal enterprise in Nigeria, with several gangs operating across states. Victims often include high-profile individuals, businessmen, students, and even ordinary citizens. The ransom demands typically range from millions to tens of millions of naira, making it both a dangerous and profitable crime for criminals.

Security analysts argue that beyond arrests, there must be stronger prosecution of offenders to deter future cases. Furthermore, better surveillance technology, community policing, and intelligence-sharing among security agencies are crucial to winning the war against kidnapping.

The arrest of Masud Abdullahi, Muhammad Tahir, and Kabiru Jibril is a major victory for the FCT Police Command. The recovery of weapons and millions in cash underscores the seriousness of their criminal activities. While challenges remain, this operation demonstrates that with the right strategy, intelligence, and commitment, Nigeria’s security forces can successfully combat kidnapping syndicates.

As investigations continue, residents of Abuja and its environs are hopeful that more arrests will follow and that sustained efforts will eventually dismantle the broader networks enabling kidnapping in the country.