In a recent development, the Nigeria Police Force has apprehended 16 individuals linked to kidnapping and other criminal activities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This information was disclosed by the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement released on Saturday.
According to Adejobi, three of the suspects were apprehended on charges of armed robbery and kidnapping in the Bwari area council of the FCT. The arrests were made possible through the proactive efforts of police officers who successfully thwarted a kidnapping plot using technical intelligence, leading to the capture of the perpetrators and the recovery of weapons.
Adejobi stated, “Amongst the suspects paraded today were the three Bwari-based kidnappers – Idris Ishaku, Bala Umar, and Dahiru Salisu. They have been responsible for a series of armed robbery cases and kidnappings in the Bwari Local Government Area and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.”
The statement continued, “Similarly, the combined team of operatives arrested thirteen suspects for various other crimes.”
In one of the incidents, the police received a report of the abduction of an individual along with his Hilux Van. The intelligence-driven investigation revealed that the victim was being taken to Kano State, but the suspects were intercepted at a filling station in Kaduna. Three of the assailants managed to escape, while one, identified as Chinaza Philip Okoye Michael, was arrested. The victim was rescued unharmed, and the Hilux Van was recovered.
The suspects, including Chinaza Philip Okoye Michael, had previously been arrested in November 2023 for similar offenses and were on court bail at the time of the recent crimes.
Additionally, the police’s DFI-IRT office intercepted Everest Magaji, a gunrunner, during negotiations with notorious bandits for the purchase and supply of illicit firearms and ammunition. Eleven pistols and two pump-action guns were seized from the suspect.
Adejobi emphasized that these successful operations underscore the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, led by Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D., NPM, to make the country a safer place for its inhabitants.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to the police.