The Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) Police Command has bursted a six-man kidnapping syndicate after a gun duel that led to neutralization of the suspects and arrests.

The police said the success was on the heels of its sustained efforts to rid the Federal Capital Territory of criminal elements, adding that the gang ran out of luck on 3rd May 2026, when the police, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a coordinated operation at a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in the Karshi area bordering the FCT and Nasarawa State.

In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the FCT Police command, Josephine Adeh:”during the operation, the suspects, upon sighting the Police team, opened fire and engaged operatives in a gun duel.

In the ensuing exchange, the gang leader, one Baba Ibrahim, also known as “Tsoho,” and one Isah Shehu were neutralized, while three other gang members escaped with suspected bullet wounds. One member of the gang was arrested during the operation.

“A search of the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one (1) pistol and 17 rounds of live ammunition.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate, led by Baba Ibrahim alias “Tsoho,” comprises Khalid, Dan Geskiya, Mohammadu Mai Tsage, Isah Shehu, and one Dogo.

“Further investigations indicate that the gang has been linked to multiple kidnapping incidents across Gwagwalada, Nyanya, Jikwoyi, and Karshi areas of the FCT, with at least 12 victims abducted. ”

The statement further said, “The syndicate has also been implicated in heinous acts, including the sexual assault of a female victim and the killing of three victims even after collecting ransom payments totaling over sixty million naira.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate, while the arrested suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, commends the operatives of the Anti-Violence Crime Unit for their professionalism, bravery, and tactical precision in the operation.”

The Command called on hospitals and medical practitioners within and around the FCT to promptly report any individuals presenting with gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest Police station.

“Members of the public are also urged to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information via the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003193, 08061581938.” (The Guardian)

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