FCT Police Recover ₦8.25 Million Ransom, Arrest ‘One Chance’ Syndicate and 564 Other Suspects
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested six members of a suspected “one chance” kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate, recovered ₦8.25 million ransom paid by a victim’s family, and apprehended four suspected kidnappers and ammunition suppliers in a series of intelligence led operations across Abuja.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, disclosed the development while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters.
He said the operation followed the abduction of a young woman in Maitama on June 29, with her kidnappers demanding a ₦20 million ransom.
The victim was later rescued after her family paid ₦8.25 million, while police investigations led to the arrest of six suspects in Suleja, Niger State.
The suspects were identified as Ifeoma Nnamchi, Peter Rasheed Onwunumah, Olanipekun Anuoluwa, Jemimah Monday, Gabriel Nnamchi, and Stanley Nnamchi.
Police recovered the entire ₦8.25 million ransom, two vehicles, a cutlass, seven pairs of EarPods, jewellery suspected to belong to previous victims, five mobile phones, and a laptop.
Investigations revealed that some of the suspects had previously been arrested for similar offences and had allegedly resumed criminal activities after regaining their freedom.
In a separate operation, police arrested four suspected kidnappers and suppliers of ammunition and illicit drugs during raids in Kwali, Abaji, and Kuje Area Councils.
One of the suspects allegedly led operatives to the recovery of 42 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed in a vehicle and was linked to the supply of ammunition to criminal gangs operating in Niger, Kaduna, and Kogi states.
The Command also recovered illicit drugs, a loaded magazine, cash, and other exhibits. In addition, intelligence led raids across the FCT resulted in the arrest of 560 other suspects and the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a locally made AK 47 rifle, and live ammunition.
Commissioner Sanusi assured residents that the Command would sustain its offensive against criminal elements and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies to enhance the protection of lives and property.
