metro

Wanted terrorist, Habu Dogo, 7 IPOB leaders arrested – DHQ

Published

2 years ago

November 2, 2024

Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba

Wanted terrorist, Habu Dogo, 7 IPOB leaders arrested – DHQ

The Defence headquarters on Saturday disclosed that troops conducting counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations have arrested a notorious and wanted terrorist leader in the Northwest known as Abubakar Bawa Ibrahim aka Habu Dogo who is responsible for most of the terrorist attacks, killings and kidnappings, particularly in Sokoto State.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations said Habu Dogo was arrested in Rumji Village in Illela LGA of Sokoto.

“He (Habu Dogo) is a wanted terrorist on the watch list of security agencies both in Nigeria and in the Niger Republic because of the cross-border nature of his terrorist activities”.

Buba added that troops in the South East arrested 7 IPOB /ESN terrorists commanders and operatives during the week naming the terror operatives arrested as Dr Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha (aka Chapet) arrested in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, Mrs Ngozi Chukwuka and Mr Oyekachi Ohia arrested in Umuahia South LGA of Abia States.

Additional IPOB operatives arrested are Mr Ifeanyi Eze, Mr Augustine Udemba and Mr Onyedikachi Udemba arrested in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State. While Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke was arrested in Orsu LGA of Imo State.

Major General Buba disclosed that during operations across the country in the last week, troops neutralised 187 terrorists and arrested 311 other criminal elements including perpetrators of oil theft, while a total of 147 kidnapped victims were rescued.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of one billion, two hundred and fifty-four million, nine hundred and forty-six thousand six hundred and thirty nairas (N1,254,946,630.00) only.

“Troops discovered and destroyed 98 illegal refining sites, 49 crude oil cooking ovens, 11 dugout pits, 72 boats, 21 drums, and 30 storage tanks among others.

READ ALSO:

“Troops recovered 1,090,135 litres of stolen crude oil and 873,510 litres of illegally refined AGO.

During the encounters, “troops recovered 205 assorted weapons and 5,241 assorted ammunition comprising, 2 G3 rifles, 2 PKT guns, 89 AK47 rifles, 22 fabricated rifles, 22 Dane guns, 2 FN rifle, 2 pistols, 2 fabricated revolver pistols, 27 locally made pistols, 19 pump action guns, 2 pump action shotgun, one DICON pistol, 8 double barrel guns, one Beretta pistol and 32 magazines.

Others are 1,862 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,244 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 131 rounds of 7.62 by 54mm, 959 rounds of 7.62 by 39mm, 352 rounds of 9mm ammo, 51 rounds of 7.62 by 51mm ball ammo, 662 live cartridges, 2 baofeng radios, 6 vehicles, 29 motorcycles, 55 mobile phones amongst other items.

Detailing the operations, Major Gen Buba said, “In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 103 terrorists, arrested 64 suspects and rescued 15 kidnappers hostages.

“Troops also recovered 51 AK47 rifles, 2 PKT guns, 2 FN rifles, 16 fabricated rifles, 15 Dane guns, 5 double barrel guns, 2 pistols, 3 locally made pistols, 1,005 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 110 rounds of 7.62 by 54mm ammo, 661 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 653 rounds of 7.62 by 39mm ammo, 95 rounds of 9mm ammo, 123 live cartridges, 46 magazines, 15 motorcycles, 21 mobile phones amongst other items.

“Between 22 and 29 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Dikwa, Gwoza, Kukawa, Damboa, Konduga and Mafa LGAs of Borno State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 31 terrorists and arrested 12 persons.

“On 21 and 23 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations ambushed suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists and made contacts in Gwoza and Damboa LGAs of Borno State.

“Following a firefight, troops neutralized 33 terrorists and recovered 21 AK47 rifles,2 FN rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 6 Dane guns, 2 pistols, 542 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 341 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 221 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 54 rounds of 9mm, 24 magazines, one bayonet, one baofeng radio, 8 motorcycles and 7 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 21 October 2024, troops with hybrid forces raided a suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists enclaves and made contact in Mafa LGA of Borno State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 13 terrorists and arrested 5 suspects. Troops also recovered one PKT gun, 6 fabricated rifles, 3 double barrel guns, 2 Dane guns, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 110 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 81 live cartridges and 5 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 25 October 2024, following confirmatory ISR, air interdiction was conducted against terrorist leaders at Bula Marwa in Borno State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and logistics destroyed.

“In the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 14 violent extremists, arrested 25 persons and rescued 26 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, one locally made pistol, one Barreta pistol, 343 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 20 rounds of 9mm ammo, 46 live cartridges, 5 AK45 magazines, and 3 mobile phones amongst other items.

READ ALSO:

“On 21 and 24 October 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 5 violent extremists/kidnappers which included 2 kidnap ring leaders in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau. Troops were also arrested in Kaura LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 locally fabricated guns, one magazine, 196 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 46 live cartridges and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 24 October 2024, troops while on patrol responded to activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one magazine amongst others.

“Between 23 and 28 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti-kidnapping operations responded to information on kidnapping incidences. Troops made contact with violent extremists in Jos East, Jos South, Bokkos, Mikang, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State.

“Troops also made contact with violent extremists in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 6 extremists/kidnappers, arrested 6 and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, one barrel pistol, 3 AK47 magazines, one pistol magazine, 113 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 20 rounds of 9mm ammo.

“
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 4 terrorists, arrested 27 violent extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, one locally made pistol, one fabricated revolver rifle, 94 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 21 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 21 rounds of 54mm ammo, 9mm rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.

“Between 21 and 26 October 2024, following reports, troops arrested 20 violent extremists/terrorists including armed robbers in Gassol, Ussa and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State. Troops made similar arrests in Guma and Makurdi LGAs of Benue State. During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one locally made pistol, 94 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.

“On 21 and 23 October 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress calls on kidnapping incidents in Ussa and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State. During the operations, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages and apprehended one suspected kidnapper’s gang leader. Troops also recovered one fabricated revolver rifle and 21 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo.

“On 26 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations raided suspected violent extremists/kidnappers hideouts in Makurdi and Ukum LGAs of Benue State. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspects and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one fabricated gun and 21 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo.

“On 25 and 28 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti-kidnapping criminality operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Logo and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State as well as Gwer West LGA of Benue State respectively. During the operations, troops rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.

“In the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 51 terrorists, arrested 55 persons and rescued 81 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 26 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, 3 Dane guns, 5 pump action guns, 3 locally made pistols, 414 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 297 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 210 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 51 rounds of 9mm ammo, 30 live cartridges, 6 magazines, 7 motorcycles and 6 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 21 October 2024, troops in separate fighting patrol operations made contact with terrorists in Maradun and Isa LGAs of Zamfara and Sokoto States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 terrorists and recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 3 pump action guns, 297 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 magazines, 3 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 23 October 2024, troops while conducting a fighting patrol responded to information on activities of suspected terrorists/kidnappers in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm special as well as one mobile phone.

“Between 22 and 28 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Rabah and Tsafe LGAs of Sokoto and Zamfara States as well as Wasagu and Batsari LGAs of Kebbi and Katsina States.

“Additionally, troops conducted operations in Giwa and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State. Following firefights, troops neutralized 17 terrorists, arrested 11 and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, 3 Dane guns, 2 pump action guns, 3 locally fabricated pistols, 210 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 51 rounds of 9mm, 30 live cartridges, 2 magazines, 4 motorcycles and 9 mobile phones amongst others.

“Between 22 and 28 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti-kidnapping operations responded to information on activities of suspected kidnappers in Danmusa and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State as well as Isa LGA of Sokoto State. During the operations, troops rescued 26 kidnapped hostages.

“On 20 October 2024, following confirmatory ISR, the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdiction on terrorist leader Alhaji Layi’s Enclave in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures destroyed.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Punch arrested 32 suspects and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 locally made pistols, one Dane gun, 11 rounds of 9mm ammo, 33 live cartridges one motorcycle and 3 mobile phones amongst other items.

“Between 21 and 27 October 2024, following credible reports, troops on separate patrols intercepted and arrested 16 violent extremists/kidnappers in Borgu and Tafa LGAs of Niger State as well as Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.

“On 22 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops raided violent extremists/kidnappers hideout in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.

“During the operations, troops arrested 6 violent extremists and recovered 2 locally made pistols, one Dane gun, 11 rounds of 9mm ammo, 33 live cartridges one motorcycle and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 15 terrorists, arrested 20 violent extremists and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one G3 rifle, 14 pump action guns, 2 pump action shotguns, 4 Dane guns, one DICON pistol, 17 locally made pistols, 3 double barrel guns, one locally made revolver pistol, 31 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ball ammo, 171 rounds of 9mm ammo, 430 live cartridges, 3 large pipe-borne IEDs, one vehicle, 3 motorcycles, 11 mobile phones and amongst other items.

“On 22 and 27 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists in Orsu and Umunneochi LGAs of Imo and Abia States respectively. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and arrested 6 suspects. Troops also recovered 6 Dane guns, one locally made revolver pistol, 2 motorcycles, and 8 mobile phones amongst other items.

“On 22 October 2024, following credible reports troops while on patrol intercepted and arrested one suspected violent extremist in Uzo–Uwani LGA of Enugu State. Troops also recovered one pump action gun, 23 cartridges and one mobile phone.

“Between 22 and 27 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops intercepted and arrested 7 suspected IPOB/ESN/terrorists including a gunrunner in Aba South and Umuahia South LGAs of Abia as well as Ihiala and Owerri West LGAs of Anambra and Imo States. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Uwani and Ikwo LGAs Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively.

“During the operations, troops recovered 2 G3 rifles, 9 pump action guns, 3 double barrel guns, 17 locally fabricated pistols, 4 Dane guns, one DICON pistol, 286 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 171 rounds of 9mm ammo, 31 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ball ammo, 343 live cartridges, one motorcycle and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 21 and 22 October 2024, troops in separate fighting patrol operations made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Ihiala and Aguata LGAs of Imo and Anambra States. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and recovered 4 pump action guns, 2 pump action shotguns, 64 live cartridges, one vehicle and 3 large pipe-borne IEDs amongst others.

“Troops of Operation Delta Safe rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and apprehended 39 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 7 assorted arms, 3 magazines and 96 assorted ammunition.

“Troops also arrested violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted raid operations in Ndokwa East and West LGA of Delta State as well as Degema LGA of Rivers State respectively.

“Troops recovered 1,090,135 litres of stolen crude oil and 873,510 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 49 crude oil cooking ovens, 11 dugout pits, 72 boats, 21 drums, 30 storage tanks and 98 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 4 speedboats, one tricycle, 4 pumping machines, one outboard engine, 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and 3 vehicles among others.

“Between 23 and 27 October 2024, following credible reports troops in separate fighting patrols intercepted and arrested 5 suspected violent extremists/pipeline vandals including militant leader identified as Mr Eddy Edidiemokuma Korokoro in Ndokwa East and West of Delta State as well as Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State respectively.

Wanted terrorist, Habu Dogo, 7 IPOB leaders arrested – DHQ

Vanguard

Related Topics:Habu Dogo IPOB leaders terrorist

Up Next

2024 Lagos Trade Fair: Carloha offers Chery full range, eco-friendly solutions, discount, test drive

Don't Miss

Nursing mother, 2 others arrested over murder of father-in-law

metro

He forced himself on me every night: Anambra Teenager Gang-Raped by Guardian, Seven Others

Published

35 minutes ago

June 5, 2026

Trends Admin

He forced himself on me every night: Anambra Teenager Gang-Raped by Guardian, Seven Others

AWKA, Nigeria – A 16-year-old girl has been rescued from a nightmare of repeated sexual abuse after her own guardian allegedly forced himself on her nightly and brought seven other men to join in the assaults in Nawfia community, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State. The teenager, whose name is being withheld for legal and safety reasons, is now two months pregnant as confirmed by a medical report presented to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Esther Onyekesi. The case came to light when a Catholic priest from Nawfia intervened after learning of the abuse and reported it to the commissioner’s office. A “Good Samaritan” had earlier facilitated the girl’s rescue from the abusive environment last week.

The Anambra State Government has vowed to ensure justice for the 16-year-old girl, with Commissioner Onyekesi, visibly emotional and in a weeping mood, promising that all perpetrators would be brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others. “The state government condemned this act in strong terms, and the ministry will ensure that all perpetrators in the dastardly act are brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others,” Onyekesi said during an interaction with newsmen in Awka, the state capital. The commissioner expressed deep outrage over the level of trauma the teenager endured at the hands of adults who were entrusted with her protection. “We express deep outrage over the level of trauma the young girl had endured at the hands of adults who were entrusted with her protection. This is unacceptable. We urge men to protect women and young girls, rather than take advantage of their vulnerability,” she stated.

While recounting her ordeal at the commissioner’s office, the victim revealed that her guardian had been forcing himself on her every night, with other men later joining in the sexual assaults. She said a “Good Samaritan” facilitated her rescue from the abusive situation last week, after which some arrests were made before she was brought to the commissioner’s office for safety. The victim also stated that the guardian’s wife is a stroke patient and was unable to intervene in the assaults. She further noted that the guardian’s children were grown and some married, yet none intervened in the ongoing abuse.

READ ALSO:

The victim informed the commissioner that two of the eight suspects had been caught by police at the Nawfia Division, while the remaining six were still on the run. The case is currently being processed at the Nawfia Police Station. Commissioner Onyekesi assured the victim of her safety and pledged that the ministry would follow the case diligently to ensure justice is fully served.

This horrific case exposes the dark reality of abuse by trusted guardians in informal care arrangements. The primary perpetrator was the very person entrusted with the girl’s protection. Instead of safety, she found repeated violation inside what should have been her home. The case also highlights the critical role community members can play in rescuing victims. Without the intervention of the Good Samaritan who facilitated her escape and the Catholic priest who reported the matter to authorities, the abuse might have continued indefinitely.

In a related incident that underscores the persistent threat of sexual violence in Anambra State, the body of a sexagenarian woman, Victoria Adegoke, was discovered abandoned in a nearby bush in May. The victim was found naked and suspected of having been raped and strangled before her body was carried into the bush. That case remains under investigation, and authorities have not announced any arrests.

The Anambra State Government has assured the public that it will not rest until all the perpetrators in both cases are apprehended and prosecuted. The case of the 16-year-old serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of children in informal guardianship arrangements and the urgent need for community vigilance, stronger protective mechanisms, and swift legal action against sexual predators.

He forced himself on me every night: Anambra Teenager Gang-Raped by Guardian, Seven Others

metro

Emir of Argungu Urges Communities to Legally Acquire Weapons for Self-Defence

Published

42 minutes ago

June 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Emir of Argungu Urges Communities to Legally Acquire Weapons for Self-Defence

ARGUNGU, Nigeria – Amid rising insecurity in northwestern Nigeria, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Samaila Mera, has issued a stark warning: Muslims must not remain passive while bandits and terrorists unleash violence on innocent communities. Speaking during an emergency security meeting with district, village, and ward heads at his palace in Argungu, Kebbi State, the traditional ruler advised residents to lawfully acquire weapons for the protection of their families, farms, and communities. “It is not right for a Muslim to remain passive while criminals kill people, kidnap innocent citizens, and rape our women,” the Emir declared. “Be prepared to defend yourselves, your families, and your communities against any attack.”

The Emir expressed deep frustration over the vulnerability of rural communities, noting that many villages lack any form of organized defence. When bandits strike, he said, even village heads flee. “When bandits attack, people start running, including village heads. This is happening because communities do not have adequate means of self-defence,” he explained. According to the monarch, communities should explore collective efforts to raise funds for the purchase of legally approved weapons to strengthen local self-defence. He also urged residents to ensure that potential attackers know a community is capable of fighting back. “If you acquire such weapons legally, make sure the bandits are aware that your community possesses the means to defend itself. This alone can serve as a deterrent and discourage attacks,” he said.

Citing Islamic principles, the Emir argued that passivity in the face of aggression is not supported by the faith. His comments come as Lakurawa terrorists and armed bandits continue to terrorize parts of Kebbi State, killing scores and kidnapping women and children. He clarified, however, that his call is not an endorsement of vigilantism or unlawful actions. He stressed that lawful self-defence had become necessary because security agencies alone cannot shoulder the burden of the escalating crisis.

READ ALSO:

While advocating for self-defence, the Emir issued a firm warning against retaliatory violence. “I will not support anyone who uses weapons to target other ethnic groups or engage in unlawful acts,” Mera said. He noted that many attacks in the region are retaliatory in nature, and he appealed to residents not to embark on revenge missions against innocent people. Unlawful killings, he warned, often trigger fresh cycles of violence.

The Emir’s address reflects a grim security reality in Kebbi State. In recent months, Kebbi State has witnessed several deadly incidents. In February 2026, over 30 villagers were killed by Lakurawa fighters in the Bui district of Arewa. In November 2025, about 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga. Multiple villages have been razed, and cattle rustling remains rampant. The Emir alleged that although many members of the Lakurawa group have left the area, armed bandits linked to them remain active and continue to terrorize local communities through existing networks.

The Emir of Argungu is not alone in calling for citizens to take up arms. Across Nigeria, there is a growing debate over whether the state has failed in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property. The Middle Belt Forum has called on the federal government to liberalize access to basic self-defence weapons, citing Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution (right to life). Legal suits have been filed against the government over the refusal to grant firearm licences to citizens for self-defence. Additionally, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has renewed calls for state policing to address localized security threats.

To avoid misinterpretation, the Emir made several clarifications about what he is not calling for. He is not calling for vigilantism or mob justice. He is not supporting ethnic or religious violence. He opposes extrajudicial killings and revenge attacks. Instead, he urges residents to cooperate with security agencies and conduct their affairs with the fear of God. His message is one of lawful, defensive preparedness, not offensive aggression or lawlessness.

In his final advice to communities across the Argungu Emirate, the Emir urged residents to remain vigilant, share intelligence with security forces, and prioritize lawful conduct. “Do not rely on weapons alone,” he said. “Be alert, cooperate with authorities, and let the fear of God guide your actions.” The monarch acknowledged that security agencies alone cannot solve the crisis, but stressed that community efforts must remain within the bounds of the law.

Emir of Argungu Urges Communities to Legally Acquire Weapons for Self-Defence

metro

FCT Police Begin Enforcement of Tinted Glass Ban, Seize Over 30 Vehicles

Published

1 hour ago

June 5, 2026

Trends Admin

FCT Police Begin Enforcement of Tinted Glass Ban, Seize Over 30 Vehicles

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has commenced the enforcement of a ban on vehicles with tinted windows and covered number plates across Abuja, citing growing security concerns and the increasing use of such vehicles in criminal activities.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed, said the enforcement exercise was directed by the Inspector-General of Police and is aimed at enhancing security and reducing crime within the nation’s capital.

According to the police commissioner, intelligence and ongoing investigations have shown that vehicles with heavily tinted windows and concealed registration plates are frequently used by kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal elements to avoid identification and evade law enforcement.

Muhammed disclosed that more than 30 vehicles had already been impounded since the commencement of the operation, warning that violators would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that the enforcement exercise is a necessary step toward improving public safety and strengthening security across Abuja and surrounding communities.

The commissioner also highlighted a series of major security breakthroughs recorded by the command in recent weeks, including the arrest of suspected kidnappers, illegal arms handlers and individuals linked to viral social media videos showing armed men dressed in military camouflage.

According to him, the command launched an investigation after videos surfaced online showing four unidentified men openly displaying AK-47 rifles, ammunition and communication gadgets while dressed in military uniforms.

READ ALSO:

Following a digital forensic investigation and intelligence-led operation, operatives of the FCT Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), working alongside officers from the Zuba Division, arrested three suspects at Runji Village in Zuba on May 25, 2026.

The suspects were identified as Umar Babangida, 25; Adamu Yeti, 22; and Yahaya Idris, 24, all residents of Rijana in Kaduna State.

Police investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly obtained the firearms from a gang leader identified simply as “Esco,” who remains at large. Authorities also recovered additional videos and photographs from the suspects’ mobile phones showing them dressed in military camouflage while brandishing firearms and communication equipment.

Recovered exhibits included one AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, eight mobile phones, two jackknives, power banks and several incriminating digital materials.

Muhammed said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing gang leader and dismantle the wider criminal network.

In a separate operation, the FCT Police Command arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of 22-year-old Emmanuel Chukwuemeka.

The case was reported to the Apo Divisional Headquarters after family members raised concerns over the victim’s disappearance. Through intelligence gathering and collaboration with the Benue State Police Command, investigators tracked and arrested Emmanuel Acha Leku, a 32-year-old Cameroonian national, alongside his girlfriend, Kazan Vincent, in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect and the deceased had allegedly engaged in fraudulent dealings together. Investigators alleged that a dispute over proceeds from the scheme led to the killing.

According to the police, the suspect allegedly lured the victim to a mountainous area in Lokogoma, Abuja, where he was murdered. Authorities further alleged that the victim’s phone was subsequently used to demand a ransom of N5 million from family members in an attempt to disguise the crime as a kidnapping.

The suspect was reportedly planning to flee to Cameroon before his arrest. Police recovered two mobile phones, including one belonging to the deceased, and later traced the victim’s decomposing remains, which have been deposited at Sahad Hospital in Apo for autopsy.

The command also announced the arrest of a suspected ammunition supplier accused of providing logistics and weapons to terrorists, bandits and kidnappers operating across the North-Central region and the FCT.

The suspect, Yau Sule, from Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, had reportedly been on the command’s wanted list since 2023. He was arrested on June 2 while travelling along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.

During the operation, police recovered 81 rounds of 7.62mm live AK-47 ammunition and 100 rounds of 7.62mm belted ammunition intended for a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG).

Further investigations led to the arrest of Maria Sule, the suspect’s sister and wife of a wanted bandit identified as Buhari Shuaibu, who remains at large. Police alleged that she assisted in the movement and supply of ammunition to criminal groups operating in Abuja, Kaduna, Niger and neighbouring states.

The commissioner also confirmed the arrest of a suspected “one-chance” robbery suspect and the interception of a blue Volkswagen Golf vehicle conveying two additional suspects identified as Muhammed Muhammed, 22, and Muhammed Saidu, 20.

Muhammed described the arrests and recoveries as evidence of the command’s determination to tackle insecurity and protect residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

He commended members of the public for providing useful intelligence and urged residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with timely information that could help prevent crime and enhance public safety.