Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested two suspected kidnappers, identified as Buhari Adamu and Abubakar Saidu, in Gbagalape in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Mararaba in Nasarawa State.

An AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and livestock were recovered during the operations.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Okokon Iniedu, the suspects were allegedly responsible for a series of kidnappings and killings along the communities bordering the FCT and Nasarawa State.

“In coordinated intelligence-led operations conducted between 24th and 26th June 2026, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) arrested two suspected members of the notorious kidnapping syndicate during operations in Gbagalape (FCT), Mararaba (Nasarawa State), and Abuja.”

Mr Iniedu identified the suspects as 28-year-old Abubakar Saidu and 25-year-old Buhari Adamu, adding that they are believed to have played active roles in several violent attacks, kidnappings, and murders within the FCT–Nasarawa axis.

He said preliminary investigations linked the syndicate to the deadly attack carried out on May 16, 2026, in Gbagalape, a border community between the FCT and Nasarawa State, during which several residents were abducted, while others were killed or sustained gunshot injuries.

“The operation also led to the murder of multiple victims after ransom demands were made,” he said.

The police also recovered one AK-47 rifle, 22 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 14 cows, and three sheep after raiding the gang’s hideout in the Gbagalape hills.

According to the police spokesman, the suspects have made useful statements to investigators, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members.

Mr Iniedu commended the FID-STS operatives for their professionalism and resilience.

He urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and detection.