Police Smash Kidnapping Syndicate, Arrest 7 suspects in Gombe

The Gombe State Police Command, in collaboration with the Professional Hunters Association, has dismantled an inter-state kidnapping syndicate, arresting seven suspects and recovering a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) during intelligence-led operations.

The breakthrough began with the arrest of Abdullahi Ibrahim, 40, of Tilde Village, Funakaye LGA, on November 23, 2025, following credible information from a good Samaritan linking him to kidnappers and cattle rustlers.

During interrogation, Abdullahi reportedly admitted involvement in several kidnapping cases and revealed the identities of accomplices operating across Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

Acting on the intelligence, police operatives attached to Operation Hattara, in partnership with professional hunters, raided multiple criminal hideouts on November 28, 2025, arresting six additional suspects after a brief gun exchange.

Suspects arrested included Usman Mohammed, 30; Hussain Idris, 37; Adamu Tukur, 37; Ya’u Abdullahi, 25; Ali Umar, 18; Hassan Usman, 40; and Abdullahi Ibrahim, 40.

The Police confirmed that the suspects confessed to kidnapping operations that reportedly generated about ₦150 million in ransom payments.

Further intelligence led the operatives to a secret spot in Gadam bush area, where the syndicate allegedly hid firearms.

Officers recovered one GPMG and eight rounds of live ammunition after a brief confrontation with unidentified gang members.

The suspects were also linked to a January 15, 2025 case in Barderi Village, Akko LGA, where a victim was held for two weeks until a ₦15 million ransom was paid.

The victim and others later identified the suspects during a parade.

Police spokesperson DSP Buhari Abdullahi said the suspects were under further investigation and would be prosecuted accordingly.

He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support security operations.

The Gombe State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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