By Milcah Tanimu
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja police command has affirmed the arrest of an additional suspected kidnapper amidst the escalating insecurity in the nation’s capital.
In a press conference held yesterday, FCT Commissioner of Police, Haruna Garba, detailed the events leading to the arrest. On Sunday, the Iddo division received a distress call reporting armed men in a black Toyota Corolla vehicle, which had shot the tires of a moving Prado jeep. The driver, Suleiman Sabo, was forced to halt in the Sabon Lugbe area, where he was abducted, leaving his wife and car behind.
Garba explained that swift police action resulted in the successful tracking and apprehension of the suspect. He disclosed, “The effort paid off on January 21 when the DPO received information that something abnormal is happening in a particular house at Sauka village. The DPO moved in and cordoned the house; behold, the kidnapped victim was found with the suspect, armed with Mark IV rifle and 10 rounds of live ammunition.”
The police commissioner further added, “He was promptly arrested, and the arm recovered from him. The victim was rescued but with gunshot injuries.” The victim is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
Garba highlighted the success of the police Special Intervention Squad (SIS), noting a lack of reported kidnapping incidents in the Bwari region of the FCT since its establishment. He emphasized the police’s effective blockade of known routes used by bandits, particularly in the Bwari area council. Additionally, numerous individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery have been apprehended, and their victims successfully rescued.
The police commissioner also pointed out the recovery of various firearms, live ammunition, and previously stolen vehicles from victims.