By Israella Njasi, Abuja
FCT police bust kidnap syndicate, recover n8.25m ransom, arrest six suspects
The Command said operatives of its Violent Crime Response Unit launched a tactical operation on June 29, 2026, after receiving a distress report on the abduction of a young woman in the Maitama area of the FCT.
According to the police, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦20 million from the victim’s family but later collected ₦8.25 million before releasing the victim on July 3.
The Command said digital tracking and intelligence gathering revealed that the victim was held captive at Kwan-Kwashe Village in Niger State.
Following the victim’s release, operatives intensified investigations and arrested six members of the alleged syndicate on July 5 during an operation in Suleja, Niger State.
Those arrested include the alleged gang leader, Ifeoma Nnamchi, 35; Peter Rasheed Onwunumah, 40; Olanipekun Anuoluwa, 46; Jemimah Monday, 25; Gabriel Nnamchi, 14; and Stanley Nnamchi, 17.
Police said the suspects, all residents of Niger State, were linked to a series of kidnapping activities within the FCT and neighbouring areas.
Items recovered from the suspects include the ₦8.25 million ransom, two vehicles — a Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry — one cutlass, seven pairs of AirPods, suspected stolen jewellery, five mobile phones and a laptop.
The police disclosed that preliminary investigations showed that Nnamchi and Anuoluwa were repeat offenders who had earlier been arrested by the FCT Police Command in 2022 and 2019 respectively over similar allegations.
Investigators further revealed that the syndicate had been operating since 2024, with activities recorded along the Kubwa Expressway, Maitama Federal Housing Road and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
The FCT Police Command assured residents that it would continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations to identify and prosecute criminal elements threatening security in Abuja and its environs.
