This development coincides with the announcement from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, revealing that operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad intercepted one Muhammad Isah, a resident of Kafanchan in Kaduna State, on Friday. Isah was apprehended while driving a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number APP 489 XE, transporting 12 under-aged children to Ogun State. Among the children were four males and eight females.
In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it was disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau–Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), acting on intelligence, launched a successful attack, neutralizing many notorious kidnappers, including the identified kidnap kingpin Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, in an operation conducted around Mpape.
A statement from the police said, “The armed bandits engaged the police operatives in a gun battle lasting about 30 minutes, resulting in many of the bandits being fatally injured, while one police operative sustained a bullet wound.”
The statement also mentioned that the operation was in response to the killing of Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada, who had led security operatives to their hideout on February 8, 2024. It further stated, “Musa Wada, also known as Sabo, was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom activities in areas such as Mpape and Bwari in the FCT, Kagarko in Kaduna, Masaka, and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State.
“His modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilizing armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom,” the statement explained. It further detailed that “the successful raid on their hideout, situated in the outskirts of Mpape Hills, was conducted by the brave men of the FIB-IRT through a surprise assault, resulting in the elimination of these notorious criminals.”
Items recovered from the hideout include mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, charms, and hard drugs. These items are described as crucial pieces of evidence aiding ongoing investigations.
It said that efforts were underway to recover additional arms, ammunition, and other equipment used by the kidnappers for their nefarious operations. It reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. The police will continue to employ proactive measures to dismantle criminal networks and bring perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice, despite any challenges encountered.