The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers who appeared in a viral video brandishing AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and walkie-talkies while dressed in military camouflage.
The suspects—Umar Babangida (25), Adamu Yeti (22), and Yahaya Idris (24)—all from Rijana in Kaduna State, were tracked and arrested during a coordinated operation in Runji Village, Zuba, Abuja.
Confirming the arrest, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Sanusi, said he ordered an immediate forensic analysis and manhunt after the viral footage surfaced online.
“Following digital forensic intelligence and actionable leads, operatives carried out a coordinated dawn raid at about 3:22 a.m. in Runji Village, Zuba, where the suspects were arrested at their hideout,” Sanusi said.
According to him, investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a wider criminal network operating under a gang leader identified only as “Esco,” who is currently at large.
The police further disclosed that analysis of the suspects’ mobile phones led to the recovery of additional videos and photographs showing them posing with AK-47 rifles and wearing military-style camouflage uniforms.
The Commissioner added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate and recover the operational weapons used by the group.
The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
The arrest comes amid heightened security operations in the FCT aimed at dismantling criminal networks and responding swiftly to viral threats circulating on social media.
