Police Dismantle Kidnap Syndicate Behind FCT, Nasarawa Attacks

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the dismantling of a deadly kidnapping syndicate linked to a series of kidnappings and killings along the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State border.

The breakthrough followed weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated tactical operations carried out under the codename Operation Gbagalape by the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad.

According to the police, the investigation was launched after a May 16, 2026 attack on Badalape community, where armed kidnappers reportedly invaded several homes, abducted residents and killed some of their victims.

The police said the gang was linked to more than 10 kidnapping incidents, including the abduction and murder of a pastor and another victim, while a civil servant was shot and seriously injured during one of the attacks.

The operation, conducted between June 24 and June 26 in Badalape, Mararaba and Abuja, led to the arrest of two suspected gang members, identified as Buhari Adamu and Abubakar Saido.

The suspects allegedly confessed to participating in several kidnapping operations and collecting ransoms ranging from ₦2 million to ₦5 million. Investigators also traced proceeds from the criminal activities to the purchase of livestock.

The police said 14 cows and three sheep linked to the suspected proceeds of the kidnappings had been recovered.

Further investigations reportedly led operatives to forest hideouts around Badalape, where evidence linking the suspects to the killings was allegedly uncovered.

The police said the suspects were identified through intelligence gathering, area surveillance and digital analysis, adding that efforts were ongoing to track and arrest other members of the syndicate.

The operation followed a directive by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for the perpetrators of the attacks to be brought to justice.