Police bust kidnapping syndicate in Gombe

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The Gombe State Police Command on Friday announced the arrest of seven suspected members of a kidnap syndicate, the neutralisation of two others, and the recovery of a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) during coordinated operations.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi on Friday, the Command said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Gombe State Professional Hunters Association as part of intensified intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling.

According to the statement, the breakthrough began on November 23, 2025, at about 4:00 a.m., when “credible intelligence was received from a Good Samaritan implicating one Abdullahi Ibrahim, 40, of Tilde Village, Funakaye LGA, in harbouring criminals suspected to be involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling.” Ibrahim was immediately arrested, and investigators began interrogating him.

Abdullahi said the suspect later confessed to his involvement in cattle rustling and multiple kidnapping operations across the state.

“He also revealed the identities of several accomplices believed to be part of a wider kidnapping syndicate operating across Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, and Adamawa States,” the statement added.

Acting on intelligence obtained during the interrogation, operatives attached to Operation Hattara, assisted by professional hunters, stormed several identified criminal hideouts on November 28, engaging the suspects in a gun duel. Six additional members of the gang were arrested.

Those arrested include Usman Mohammed (30), Hussain Idris (37), Adamu Tukur (37), Yau Abdullahi (25), Ali Umar (18), Hassan Usman (40), and the earlier arrested Abdullahi Ibrahim (40).

“All suspects confessed during preliminary interviews to participating in several kidnapping operations and receiving an estimated ₦150,000,000 ransom from their victims,” the Command disclosed.

Further intelligence provided by the suspects led officers to the Gadam bush area, where the gang had allegedly concealed a firearm used during kidnapping operations. As operatives approached the location, they came under sudden attack from unidentified armed syndicate members.

“A brief exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers and the recovery of one GPMG and eight rounds of live ammunition,” DSP Abdullahi said. The bodies of the neutralised suspects have since been deposited at the Specialist Hospital Mortuary, Gombe.

The police also linked the arrested suspects to a January 15, 2025, kidnapping at Barderi Village in Akko LGA, where a victim was abducted and held for two weeks until a ₦15 million ransom was paid. “The victim later identified the suspects in our custody—specifically suspects No. 1, 2, and 5—as those responsible for his abduction,” the Command said, adding that several other victims had also identified the gang as their abductors.

Abdullahi said all suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. “Recovered exhibits are undergoing further discreet investigation and profiling and will be prosecuted accordingly,” he noted.

Reassuring residents, the Police Command reiterated its determination to rid the state of criminal elements. “The Gombe State Police Command reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the state,” the PPRO said. He appealed to the public to continue providing timely and credible information, saying such support “remains crucial to policing efforts.”

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