By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The FCT Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi, has reassured residents of the Federal Capital Territory of their safety following a successful operation.

This assurance comes after the arrest of three suspects linked to a series of kidnapping incidents in border communities.

During a strategic operational tour of villages in the Bwari Area Council, including Gidandogo and Garam, the CP personally led raids to flush out criminals. The operation targeted areas bordering Niger and Kaduna states, which have recently been flashpoints for kidnapping activities.

The police identified the arrested suspects as Nasiru Abdullahi, Samaila Dahiru, and Bello Usman. Preliminary investigations linked Abdullahi and Dahiru to the abduction of a farmer, Mallam Bako, who was seized from his land on April 8, 2024.

Mallam Bako was reportedly held in the Kweri forest, where his captors demanded a ransom of ₦50 million for his release. Fortunately, he was rescued by the FCT Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit before the payment could be made.

The police further revealed that these suspects were part of a larger criminal gang responsible for the mass abduction of 20 people in the Byazin area. This group has been a major source of terror for residents in the FCT’s outskirts.

The third suspect, Bello Usman (alias Dagejo), was described as a notorious informant and logistics supplier for bandits. He had been on the police watchlist for two years, accused of coordinating criminal support between Kaduna and the FCT.

During Usman’s arrest, security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle along with a magazine and 12 rounds of live ammunition. Commissioner Sanusi urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help maintain the current security momentum.