By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested seven suspected kidnappers in connection with kidnappings in the territory.
FCT commissioner of Police, Ben Igweh disclosed this during the parade of the kidnappers before journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the wanted kidnappers were arrested by operatives of the Utako police division, led by Victor Godfrey, in a coordinated operation at Tudun-Wada, Lugbe and Pyakasa area of Trademore.
The minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike during the parade of he kidnappers, placed N20 million
bounty on the remaining two kidnappers still on the run.
He said the response was to the Police Commissioner’s remarks that two other criminals were still on the run, adding that the police was on their trail.
“You said there are 2 criminals on the run? Let me put money on their heads. Wherever they are, send your men out there, I will give them N20 million.
“Go and fish them out, wherever they are. I want to see them dead or alive,” the minister said.
The minister, who could not hide his joy over the arrest of the criminals, commended the commissioner and his men for the wonderful job, saying “the difference is clear.”
He assured the command that he would do everything possible to provide the police with the needed equipment to fight crimes in the FCT.
“Let me assure the residents of FCT that with the support of President Bola Tinubu, we are fully prepared to take the war to the criminals.
“I trust the police and our confidence in them is getting stronger,” he added.
The minister pointed out that Information was key to winning the war against crime, adding that without information, there is nothing the security agencies would do.
He urged the police to do more on intelligence gathering.
The CP added that all the suspects have confessed to their crimes and are providing useful information to help in the arrest of other gang members.
He identified the kidnappers as Usman Muazu from Kwali, Aliyu Mohammed from Pumpomare area of Borno, Awwal Dahiru from Gwagwalada, Rabi Sani from Safana, Katsina, and Madina Abubakar, from Gulu, Lapai LGA of Niger state.
Others are: Jonah Elimelech and Saminu Idris from Kauru, Kaduna, and Mariji Iliya from Mangu, Plateau.
The police commissioner said operatives recovered N9 million ransom payments from the gang, alongside knives, cutlasses, bullet proof vests, and charms.
“And we speak, the suspects who have been profiled are in custody undergoing interrogation at respective division, while those found wanting will be charged to court,” he added.
In addition, Igweh said 79 suspects were also arrested during raids on various black spots by the police operatives from Trademore, Galadimawa, Maitama, and Gwagwalada in the FCT.
He said operatives raided uncompleted buildings and recovered substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs from the suspects.
Igwe said the raid was part of the command’s efforts to rid the territory of crimes.
Last week, the police commissioner ordered a clampdown on any vehicle with single or no number plates.
The order was part of efforts to improve the worsening security situation in Abuja.
This is as the Police Commissioner said two other criminals were still on the run, adding that the police was on their trail.
“You said there are 2 criminals on the run? Let me put money on their heads. Wherever they are, send your men out there, I will give them N20 million.
“Go and fish them out, wherever they are. I want to see them dead or alive,” the minister said.
The minister, who could not hide his joy over the arrest of the criminals, commended the commissioner and his men for the wonderful job, saying “the difference is clear.”
He assured the command that he would do everything possible to provide the police with the needed equipment to fight crimes in the FCT.
“Let me assure the residents of FCT that with the support of President Bola Tinubu, we are fully prepared to take the war to the criminals.
“I trust the police and our confidence in them is getting stronger,” he added.
The minister pointed out that Information was key to winning the war against crime, adding that without information, there is nothing the security agencies would do.
He urged the police to do more on intelligence gathering.
