Police in FCT bust kidnap gang, arrest 5 suspects, rescue foreign victim
Five members of a kidnap gang operating within the Durumi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have been arrested.
The arrested suspects are Ibrahim Umar, Hamza Buba, Muktar Mohammed, Masaud Abdullahi, and Moses Idoko, who was identified as the gang’s medical director, responsible for providing medical care to both the suspects and their victims.
It was reported that Sambo Umar Labibo, a citizen of Burkina Faso, was rescued during the operation.
Josephine Adeh, the Public Relations Officer of the FCT Police Command, stated on Wednesday that the operation, which took place on March 18, 2025, was launched after the Durumi Divisional Headquarters received an urgent report that Labibo had been abducted on March 14, 2025.
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She explained that the kidnappers had forced the victim to contact a close associate, demanding a ransom of fifteen million naira (₦15,000,000) for his release.
The statement reads in part: “The relentless efforts of the FCT Police Command in combating crime and ensuring the safety of all residents have once again yielded significant success.
“In a well-coordinated operation, police operatives from the Durumi Division rescued Sambo Umar Labibo, a citizen of Burkina Faso, from the clutches of a notorious kidnap syndicate operating within the Durumi IDP Camp.
“On March 18, 2025, at about 3:05 PM, the Durumi Divisional Headquarters received an urgent report that Sambo Umar Labibo had been kidnapped on March 14, 2025. His abductors forced him to call a close associate, demanding a ransom of fifteen million naira (₦15,000,000).
“Upon receiving this intelligence, police operatives swiftly mobilized and launched a meticulous operation. With strategic planning and close collaboration with the victim’s associate, the operatives tactically set a trap for the kidnappers. As the suspects arrived at the designated ransom collection point, they were swiftly apprehended before they could escape.
“The arrested suspects include Ibrahim Umar, Hamza Buba, Muktar Mohammed, Masaud Abdullahi, and Moses Idoko, who was identified as the gang’s medical director, responsible for providing medical care to both the suspects and their victims.
“Following their arrest, the suspects led police operatives to their hideout within the Durumi IDP Camp, where the victim was found and rescued unharmed. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
“This successful operation underscores the unwavering commitment of the FCT Police Command to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that all residents—both citizens and foreigners—are safe within the nation’s capital.
“The FCT Police Command reaffirms its dedication to fighting crime and urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
“For emergencies and complaints, FCT residents are advised to contact the FCT Police Command via the following numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653. Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192.”
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