The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers who appeared in a viral video displaying AK-47 rifles, ammunition and communication gadgets while dressed in military camouflage.
The suspects were apprehended following an intelligence-led operation launched after the footage surfaced online and triggered public concern.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed that the command immediately commenced a forensic investigation to trace the origin of the video and identify those involved.
According to him, digital forensic analysis and intelligence gathering led operatives of the FCT Police VCRU Sector 5 and officers from the Zuba Division to a hideout in Runji Village, Zuba, where the suspects were arrested during a coordinated raid conducted on May 25.
The suspects were identified as Umar Babangida, 25, Adamu Yeti, 22, and Yahaya Idris, 24, all from Rijana in Kaduna State.
Police investigations reportedly revealed that the suspects had previously possessed the assault rifles displayed in the viral footage.
Authorities alleged that the weapons were supplied by a suspected gang leader known simply as “Esco,” who remains at large.
Sanusi said investigators also recovered additional videos and photographs from the suspects’ mobile phones showing them dressed in military uniforms, carrying AK-47 rifles and using walkie-talkies.
The recovered materials are now being used as part of the ongoing investigation.
The police commissioner noted that efforts have been intensified to track down other members of the gang, including the fleeing leader, and recover the firearms allegedly used by the suspects.
The three suspects remain in custody and are assisting investigators with further inquiries.
The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to combating kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes, assuring residents that all available resources are being deployed to dismantle criminal networks operating within and around the Federal Capital Territory.
