The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crimes with the arrest of two notorious kidnap kingpins and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and millions of naira in cash.
The suspects, identified as Masud Abdullahi, a native of Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and leader of the gang, and Muhammad Tahir from Jos, Plateau State, were arrested during a counter-kidnapping operation.
Police said the arrest was made after a distress report was lodged at the Command on August 16, 2025, at about 12:05 a.m., that a gang of kidnappers had stormed an estate in Karu, Abuja.
During the attack, the gunmen forcefully gained entry into the residence of Barrister Henry Chichi, abducted him at gunpoint, and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
Following the report, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Command immediately launched a rescue operation, placing sustained pressure on the kidnappers.
The operation, according to Police, paid off when the victim was safely released on August 17, 2025, at about 9:05 p.m., after hours of strategic pursuit.
In a follow-up operation carried out in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Police Command, the gang members were intercepted along the Guraku axis of the Nasarawa–FCT Highway.
The kidnappers, who were travelling in a red Opel Vectra with registration number BLD 566 AT, lost control of the vehicle during the pursuit. While some managed to escape, Abdullahi and Tahir were arrested on the spot.
Further investigations led the operatives to the group’s hideout located deep inside Karshi Forest in Nasarawa State, where another member of the syndicate, Kabiru Jibril (22), was apprehended.
The police team also recovered several dangerous weapons and cash suspected to be ransom money from the hideout.
The items seized include ₦7.4 million in cash, three AK-47 rifles with magazines, one G3 rifle with magazine, 16 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and a Tecno mobile phone.
Speaking on the operation, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, commended the professionalism and bravery of the officers who carried out the raid.
He assured residents that the Command remained fully committed to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes within the territory and beyond.
The CP further disclosed that a manhunt had been launched to track down the fleeing members of the gang, urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
The Police also reiterated the importance of timely information from members of the public in combating crime and released its emergency contact numbers: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
The suspects, according to the Police, will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.
