By Adewole Kehinde
“True intelligence operates silently. Stillness is where creativity and solutions to problems are found.” ― Eckhart Tolle
The Special Intervention Squad (SIS) was established on January 16, 2024, by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to combat the kidnapping activities that are causing terror in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and throughout the country.
Following the announcement at Force Headquarters, the Bwari Area Councils saw the Special Intervention Squad put on a forceful display.
The Federal Capital Territory’s security landscape was strengthened on January 20, 2024, when the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) was established. Working in tandem with the Department of Force Intelligence’s Intelligence Response Team (DFI-IRT), the FCT Command’s Anti-Violent Crimes Section, the Anti-kidnapping Section, and other State Commands, the Squad was able to apprehend sixteen notorious criminals and recover a sizable cache of weapons and ammunition, including a General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG).
Among the suspects paraded were the three Bwari-based kidnappers namely Idris Ishaku, Bala Umar, and Dahiru Salisu who have been responsible for a series of armed robbery cases and kidnappings in the Bwari Area Council and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Similarly, the combined team of operatives arrested thirteen suspects for various other crimes. Among the achievements recorded is the foiling of another kidnap plot through technical intelligence resulting in the arrest of the above-named Bwari-based kidnappers, and weapons recovered from them.
In a proactive move, following a report on the abduction of a victim from his house along with his Hilux Van with Reg. No. RBC 90 DL Gray colour by four armed men who disguised in a white Mercedez Benz 230 car, Police Operatives in an intelligence-propelled investigation discovered that the victim was being taken to Kano State, but was dispossessed of his ATM cards at Kaduna while the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) was transferred from his account.
The suspects however ran out of luck as they were intercepted by Police operatives at a filling station in Kaduna where three of them escaped, while one by the name of Chinaza Philip Okoye Michael was arrested, the victim was rescued unhurt, and the said Hilux Van recovered.
It was discovered that Chinaza Philip Okoye Michael and his accomplices had earlier been arrested sometime in November 2023 and charged for similar offences, at the High Court, Kwali, Abuja, but went back to committing even worse crimes while on court bail.
Also, operatives of the DFI-IRT office intercepted one Everest Magaji, a gunrunner, during negotiation with some notorious bandits who are currently at large, for the purchase and supply of illicit firearms and ammunition. Eleven Pistols and Two Pump Action Guns were recovered from the suspect.
Also, on 26th January 2024, the Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi paraded some criminals arrested for various offences.
According to Adejobi, “In reflecting upon our efforts, it becomes evident that the true measure of our success lies not merely in the number of arrests made, but in the countless crimes prevented through dedication and strategic initiatives”.
He further said that despite the meticulous measures being implemented by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, since assuming office, to thwart the occurrence of crimes, it is unfortunate that certain individuals persist in their criminal endeavours. He however the force remained resolute in denying them any breathing space.
I must commend the personnel of the DFI-IRT for tackling crimes of kidnapping and banditry, rescuing kidnap victims unhurt, reuniting them with their families, taking the war to the doorsteps of the criminals, flushing them out of their hideouts and restoring peace to the nation.
The launch of the Special Intervention Squad in January 2024 has led to the rescue of quite several kidnap victims across the country, who have all been reunited with their families. Notable amongst them are:
I was impressed when I saw the exhibits recovered from the suspects such as 3 GPR Chargers, 2 AK-47 rifles, 1 Type-06, 4 Local Fabricates, 1 Berretta pistol, 2 Makarov pistols, 4 Local fabricated pump actions, 504 pieces of AK-47 ammunition and 100 pieces of AA ammunitions.
For record purposes, I would like to give an analysis of the arrest made within a few days:
In the early hours of Friday, 26th January 2024, at about 0140hrs, operatives of the DFI-IRT engaged some armed bandits within the axis in a fierce gun battle. They neutralised 3 of them including their gang leader known as Mai Gemu AKA Godara. We can say without mincing words, that the gang and its camp have been destroyed. The gangs and many others who venture into crime and kidnapping in Bwari, border communities linking to the Kaduna axis would never know peace as our concentrated efforts are being intensified.
On the 24th of January 2024, operatives of the DFI-IRT working based on intelligence intercepted a group of persons along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway who were suspected to be major suppliers of arms and ammunition to bandits operating in Niger State, Zamfara State and Kaduna State. The Suspects namely Ibrahim Hussaini, Abdullahi Ali and Salahu Ali upon arrest and consequent interrogation confessed to the crimes. Exhibits recovered from them are 504 Ak-47 ammunitions, 100 AA ammunitions, and 3 GPR Chargers.
On 21/01/2024, at about 1150hrs, an Intelligence Report was received from the Technical Intelligence Unit, FHQ, Abuja about the activities of a syndicate of gun Fabricator/gun runners operating in Plateau state. On receipt of the Intel, IRT Operatives on Special duty in the state tracked and arrested the two members of the syndicate, namely: Pam Chung and Jacob Fwangne both ‘m’ of different addresses in Jos South L.G.A. During the investigation, the said Jacob Chung confessed that he has been in the business of fabricating locally made revolver guns for the past five years, while the said Jacob Fwangne bought two of the guns from him at the rate of N40,000 and N50,000 respectively. Four locally fabricated revolver guns of G3 ammunition and cartridge carrier calibres were recovered from the said Pam Chung.
On the 10th of September 2023, the Suspect alongside three others currently at large, armed with dangerous weapons attacked the complainant who is a Bolt driver who was conveying a passenger from Galadimawa, to Maitama along Kabusa road.
The Suspects namely Pam Chung and Jacob Fwangne both from Jos South L.G.A and his Cohorts kidnapped the rider while the passenger escaped. They received a ransom of Three hundred thousand Naira before granting the victim his freedom. Upon investigation and arrest, it was discovered that the Suspect was a fugitive from the Prison facility in Jos, Plateau for conviction on a case of assault.
The Suspect Voluntarily confessed to the offences of being among the syndicate that kidnapped the victim. He also confessed to being a fugitive.
In the aftermath of the arrest of Mamuda Akilu following a petition lodged by Alh. Saleh Samaila of Tandama village in the Danja area of Katsina State, a startling twist has emerged. Mamuda Akilu, upon apprehension, voluntarily provided a statement that implicated Alh. Saleh also led to the discovery of a locally fabricated assault gun, accompanied by 8 rounds of AK47 ammunition on the 24th of January 2024.
Subsequent intelligence-gathering efforts resulted in the apprehension of two additional suspects believed to be members of Alh. Saleh’s syndicate. Sahabi Abubakar, one of the arrested individuals, confessed to his involvement in the kidnapping of Alh. Bature from Tandama. He also disclosed that Alh. Saleh Samaila, along with one Abdulsala and other accomplices, orchestrated the kidnapping of Alhaji.
On January 25, 2024, a decisive operation conducted by FID-IRT operatives, based on credible intelligence, resulted in the arrest of two individuals: Abubakar Idris from Angwa-Gede, FCT-Abuja, and Kabiru Suleiman from Jikwoyi phase 4, FCT-Abuja. This duo forms a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating within the FCT and its surroundings.
In 2023, Abubakar Idris led the syndicate, armed with AK-47 rifles, in the kidnapping of Dan Ba,aje (‘m’) in the Abaji area of the FCT. Their criminal endeavour was thwarted by the military in a gunfight, resulting in the loss of one gang member, Late Jangar, and the fortunate escape of the victim.
The same syndicate, spearheaded by Abubakar Idris and Kabiru Suleiman, was responsible for a kidnapping incident at the Tudun-Uku axis of Nasarawa State in April 2023. This syndicate is also implicated in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Sarkin Tinsia in Kankara L.G.A of Katsina State earlier in 2024.
Another is a case of kidnapping by Bashir Ibrahim of Tsale LGA, Zamfara state. The Suspect who operates in Tsale LGA, Zamfara State alongside his gang leader Mani confessed to having kidnapped one person and received a ransom of N100,000 and was given N10,000 as his share. Both he and his leader confessed to having killed people in the past.
On 17/12/2023 at about 1000hrs, the Suspect, Emmanuel Amos deceived his niece; Zabiyi Hosea ‘f’ 9yrs and kidnapped her to an uncompleted building, tied her up and demanded the ransom of N500,000 which later he forcefully made her to take Insecticide and attempted to Kill her. The suspect was arrested on 29/12/2023 at the Bwari Area Council FCT and upon investigation, he confessed to committing the crime.
Around August 2023, there was a reported case of kidnapping around the idu-karimo. Working based on intelligence, operatives of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit swung into action and got wind of a prime suspect being spotted at a hospital at Tasha 1 Gwagwa and immediately went to apprehend him.
During interrogation, he confessed to being part of a kidnapping syndicate and along with this syndicate, have carried out multiple kidnapping operations in the Idu-Karimo axis. He also confessed that their ringleader, One Bademe ‘m’ was the one who kidnapped some security operatives and the chief of Guruku and received a ransom of 20 million naira from the hostage before his release.
Of this sum, the suspect was to relay the sum of N1.5 million naira to the ring leader’s family but absconded with it. The suspect also confessed to 2 different kidnappings where they collected the sum of N400,000 from one of the victims while the other managed to escape.
On 25/12/2023, one Alhaji Bello Ibrahim of Mpape, Abuja reported at a police station that On 20/12/2023 at about 1530hrs, the 1st suspect, Ibrahim Idris called him and demanded the sum of N10,000,000 or he would be harmed and kidnapped as they did to his neighbour, one Dr Lawal who was shot and his wife kidnapped. Upon receipt of this information, the Police operatives subsequently lured the suspects to be arrested.
Upon arrest, the 1st suspect voluntarily confessed to being a party to the offence and that he was the one who was sent to receive the ransom. The second suspect, Suleiman Umar equally confessed to being part of the crime. The third suspect, Ibrahim Lawali was the driver who was supposed to deliver the received ransom to one Kabiru in Zamfara who the mastermind of the threat, Extortion, and attack on Dr. Lawal and the Kidnapping of his wife is.
The complainant is currently safe and free from threats, Dr. Lawal is currently receiving treatment at the National Hospital and his wife who was kidnapped has been released. Exhibits recovered from them include one white Hummer bus and two Tecno phones.
Sometime in November 2023, acting on Intelligence, one Suleiman Musa, Michak Samuel and Benjamin Ayuba all m of Kwali area Council FCT were arrested, and 5 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from their possession. Investigation revealed that they were planning to sell it at the rate of N2000 but sold it at the rate of N500.
The 1st suspect confessed to the crime and that he picked up the ammunition along the road while he was going to his farm, and he gave it to Michak Samuel who told him that he knew the person to sell it to.
The 2nd Suspect, Michak Samuel confessed to the crime and revealed that it was the 1st suspect who gave him six ammunition to sell.
The 3rd suspect, Benjamin Ayuba revealed that the 6 ammunition was given to him by Michak Samuel to sell and he told him that it belonged to the first suspect and in the process of selling it, one ammunition fell. He took the rest of it to the buyer and bargained for N2000 but the buyer who is a local vigilante gave N500. Exhibits recovered from them include 5 rounds of live ammunition.
The suspect and his gang members numbering about 3 went to the complainant’s house, attacked, and robbed him of his handset, and cash of N6000, kidnapped his daughter and raped her in their hideout before she was rescued unhurt. In the bid to arrest Idris Musa, one of the gang members lost his life. The suspects confessed to full participation in the crime.
On January 22, 2024, the diligent efforts of law enforcement led to the apprehension of Godwin Ayuba in Nassarawa Toto Local Government of Nassarawa State. Ayuba was found in possession of an English-made pistol, a locally made AK-47, and a homemade gun designed for AK-47 ammunition, alongside a pistol ammunition.
Upon interrogation, Ayuba openly confessed to engaging in the repair and production of firearms, admitting to providing these illicit services to numerous individuals. It is crucial to note that Ayuba lacks the necessary license for such activities, marking a blatant violation of firearms regulations.
Exhibits recovered from him include one English-made pistol, one locally-made AK-47, one locally-made gun designed for AK-47 ammunition, and one pistol ammunition.
On 09/09/2023 at about 1430hrs based on intelligence received, operatives of the Nigeria Police Tactical Squad swung into action and apprehended the said suspect, Salisu Abdullahi who confessed to belonging to the Badume kidnapping gang, a gang of kidnappers terrorising FCT and its environs.
He further confessed that he and his gang have carried out several kidnappings at Eche village Kagarko Local Government of Kaduna, Gwagwa in AMAC FCT and Idu, AMAC Abuja. Exhibits recovered include two Bajaj Motorcycles, 4 Cattle
On the 10th of September 2023, the Suspect, Adamu Idris alongside three others currently at large, armed with dangerous weapons attacked the complainant who is a Bolt driver who was conveying a passenger from Galadimawa, to Maitama along Kabusa road. The Suspect and his Cohorts kidnapped the rider while the passenger escaped.
They received a ransom of Three hundred thousand Naira before granting the victim his freedom. Upon investigation and arrest, it was discovered that the Suspect was a fugitive from the Prison facility in Jos, Plateau for conviction on a case of assault. The Suspect Voluntarily confessed to the offences of being among the syndicate that kidnapped the victim. He also confessed to being a fugitive.
The suspect, Buhari Zabany was seen roaming inside a thick forest suspected to be the lair of a kidnapping gang and he was arrested on the suspicion of being a member of the kidnapping gang. During the interview the suspect did not give a satisfactory account of himself and his whereabouts and where he was going. It was stated that he has been seeing Kidnappers inside the forest with many AK-47 rifles and GPMG rifles.
Upon credible information received about a syndicate of armed robbers and kidnappers operating in the Kuje area of the FCT. Swiftly, FID/IRT operatives acted on this intel, leading to the arrest of two suspects, Usman Hassan (30) and Yakubu Audu (35), along with the recovery of robbed motorcycles in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
The arrested suspects confessed to the crime and implicated others who remain at large: Ibrahim, Musa, Ali, Dogo, and Akanju, all from Nasarawa State. Notably, one of the exhibits is currently at Mararaba A’ Divisional Police Headquarters, scheduled for recovery tomorrow. Our relentless efforts continue to ensure the apprehension of the outstanding suspects and maintain the safety of our communities.
On 17/10/2024, at about 1600hrs, one Salihu Jauro ‘m’, the Deputy Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter, reported to IRT Operatives on Special duty in the state, that on the same date, at about 0000hrs, unknown gunmen invaded the house of one Alhaji Adamu Muhammadu Ringin at Kurwat village, Shendam L.G.A, Plateau state, shot and slaughtered the said Alhaji Ringin, after robbing him and his family of his phone and an unspecified amount of money.
During the investigation, one Yusufu Abubakar a.k.a Jirgiel and Adamu Adamu a.k.a Smallie both of different addresses in Shendam L.G.A of Plateau state and Gidan Buba, Asakio, Nasarawa state were arrested in connection with the case. The suspects confessed to the crime while the deceased Tecno phone and SIM cards were recovered from the said Smallie.
When Yusuf Abubakar was arrested he mentioned one Makawu Haruna and Ayuba Musa who are both nephews to the deceased as the people that sent him to kill the victim but later retracted his statement and said it was a pure case of armed robbery planned and executed by himself, the said Adamu Adamu and one Ibrahim Adamu a.k.a Janda (now at large) which later resulted to Culpable Homicide. The case is under Investigation.
The successes of these ceaseless operations show how dedicated the Nigeria Police Force is to making Nigeria a secure place for us to live, under the direction of Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached at 08166240846, email: kennyadewole@gmail.com
