Police Arrest Bandits Caught Displaying AK-47 Rifles in Viral Video

Police Arrest Bandits Caught Displaying AK-47 Rifles in Viral Video

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected bandits who were prominently featured in a viral social media video brandishing AK-47 rifles while dressed in military camouflage. The footage, which spread rapidly across multiple platforms, showed the suspects carrying high-caliber weapons and walkie-talkies, triggering widespread panic and outrage among Abuja residents and security analysts.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, disclosed that the command launched an immediate investigation the moment the video began circulating online. “I ordered a comprehensive forensic analysis to trace the source of the footage and identify all individuals involved,” CP Sanusi told journalists. “I also directed my officers to ensure the arrest of everyone linked to this disturbing display of illegal firepower.”

According to the police commissioner, the operation that led to the arrests took place on May 25, 2026, at approximately 3:22 a.m. in Runji Village, Zuba, along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor. The raid was carried out by operatives of the FCT Police VCRU Sector 5 and personnel from the Zuba Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Ogu Caleb Ikechukwu. The three suspects were arrested at their hideout and have been identified as Umar Babangida, 25 years old; Adamu Yeti, 22 years old; and Yahaya Idris, 24 years old. All three are residents of Rijana, Kaduna State, a known flashpoint for banditry along the busy Abuja-Kaduna highway.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had previously possessed the AK-47 rifles seen in the viral video. They allegedly obtained the weapons from their gang leader, identified only as “Esco” – also a resident of Rijana, Kaduna State. CP Sanusi confirmed that Esco remains at large, and a manhunt is currently underway to apprehend him and other fleeing members of the criminal network. “Further investigations also led to the recovery of additional videos and photographs from the suspects’ mobile phones,” Sanusi added. “These show them dressed in military camouflage while brandishing AK-47 rifles and carrying walkie-talkies.”

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Police exhibited the following items recovered from the three suspects: one AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, eight mobile phones, two jackknives, power banks, and several additional photographs and video clips showing the suspects in military attire displaying weapons and ammunition. The recovery of walkie-talkies in the videos has raised concerns about possible coordination with other bandit cells operating within the FCT and surrounding states.

During the same press briefing, CP Sanusi announced a related breakthrough. He disclosed that the command had arrested a wanted notorious supplier of ammunition and logistics to bandits and kidnappers. The suspect, Yau Sule, from Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, had been wanted by the FCT Police Command since 2023. He was arrested on June 2, 2026, along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway. Items recovered from Yau Sule include 81 rounds of 7.62mm live AK-47 ammunition and 100 rounds of 7.62mm belted ammunition for a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG). Yau Sule reportedly led operatives to the arrest of his sister, Maria Sule, who is also allegedly involved in supplying ammunition to terrorist groups operating in the region.

CP Sanusi assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory that the command remains committed to proactive policing and intelligence-led operations. “We will not relent until every criminal element hiding within the FCT is flushed out,” he said. “Residents should continue to report suspicious activities through our emergency lines.” The three suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged in court upon completion of investigations. Efforts are ongoing to track down gang leader “Esco” and other members of the cell.

The FCT Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities via the following emergency lines: 08061581938, 08032003913, and 08028940883. The command also reiterated that displaying or brandishing illegal firearms in public or on social media is a serious criminal offense punishable under Nigerian law.

Police Arrest Bandits Caught Displaying AK-47 Rifles in Viral Video