Police Bust Kidnap Syndicate, Arrest Gang Leader in Plateau

The Nigeria Police Force in Plateau State have arrested the alleged leader of a kidnap syndicate said to have terrorised communities, particularly in Shendam Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Alfred Alabo stated that the syndicate had previously been disrupted in November 2024 when one Abubakar Ahmadu Bello and three others were arrested and remanded by the High Court of Justice in Shendam.

The gang’s leader, identified as Babangida Buba, also known as Babawo, initially escaped but was later apprehended by Intelligence Response Team operatives.

Alabo added that the suspect confessed to participating in criminal activities and admitted selling one of the group’s operational AK47 rifles to an individual named Muhammadu Isiyaku.

Police subsequently arrested the alleged buyer and recovered weapons, including a Browning Sub-Machine gun with breach number KR3541 and 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition, as well as another SMG rifle with a defaced breach number containing 16 rounds of live ammunition.

Authorities said investigations remain ongoing and efforts are being intensified to apprehend additional members of the syndicate and recover more illicit weapons.

The suspect is expected to face prosecution alongside others already in custody.

Plateau State Commissioner of Police CP Bassey Ewah warned criminal elements and individuals seeking to exploit security tensions to desist from unlawful activities, stating that the command is prepared to respond decisively to threats. He urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear, encouraging them to report emergencies through designated channels.

Police assured the public of sustained operations aimed at combating kidnapping and other security threats across the state.