Operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have arrested one Mallam Bala and the gang leader of an alleged notorious kidnapping gang, Abdullahi Ruwa, a.k.a Juli at Atako forest of Kuje Area Council in Abuja.
According to the spokesperson of the Command, Josephine Adeh, the arrest of the suspect followed intelligence at the disposal of the Command, which revealed the plan by the criminal group to kidnap a clergyman at Nukku village in the Abaji area council of the FCT.
Adeh said: “The suspects were arrested while perfecting plans toward executing the criminal act. The suspects equally revealed to the police team how they had carried out several kidnaps for ransom operations. Two mobile phones with special lines were recovered from Mallam Bala, which he used in communicating with other gang members while they perfected their plans.
“Two Gionee mobile phones, which the gang uses in contacting the families of their victims for ransom, were also recovered from Abdullahi Ruwa.”
The police spokesperson disclosed that in another development, acting on a tip-off, operatives from Dawaki Division arrested one Awal Abdullahi, a suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate that has been on the watch list of the police.
“The suspect revealed how he participated in two kidnap operations carried out by his gang recently. Further investigations led to the arrest of one Isah Yusuf and three other members of the syndicate.
“Efforts are being intensified to arrest other members of the gang that are still at large. All the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation,” she added.
Adeh urged residents to remain calm, reaffirming the Command’s unflinching commitment to rid the FCT of every form of crime and criminality and protect the lives and property of residents.
“The command also implores residents to report all suspicious movements, emergencies or distresses through the following lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883,” she added.