In a significant breakthrough in its ongoing fight against violent crimes, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested two notorious kidnapping kingpins Masud Abdullahi, identified as the gang leader from Karu LGA in Nasarawa State, and Muhammad Tahir from Jos, Plateau State.
The arrests followed a coordinated counter kidnapping operation carried out by the FCT Police in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Police Command.
According to a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, ANIPR, the operation was launched after a distress report was received at about 12:05 a.m. on August 16, 2025. The report stated that armed kidnappers had stormed an estate in Karu, Abuja, forcibly entering the residence of one Barrister Henry Chichi and abducting him.
Acting swiftly, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit initiated a high pressure operation, which led to the safe rescue of the victim on August 17, 2025, at approximately 9:05 p.m.
In a follow-up operation, the suspects were tracked and intercepted along the Guraku axis of the Nasarawa–FCT highway. Their vehicle a red Opel Vectra with registration number BLD 566 AT lost control during the chase, leading to the arrest of Masud Abdullahi and Muhammad Tahir. Several other gang members managed to flee the scene.
Further investigation led police operatives to the gang’s hideout in Karshi Forest, Nasarawa State, where another suspect, 22-year old Kabiru Jibril, was apprehended.
Recovered items from the hideout include:
₦7.4 million in cash
Three AK-47 rifles with magazines
One G3 rifle with magazine
Sixteen rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
One Tecno mobile phone
Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, praised the dedication and professionalism of the operatives. He reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the FCT and assured that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining members of the gang.
FCT Police Emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938.