FCT police arrest suspected kidnappers seen in viral video brandishing rifles

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers featured in a viral video in which armed men were seen openly displaying assault rifles, ammunition and communication gadgets while dressed in military camouflage.

The suspects were captured in footage that circulated widely on social media, sparking concerns about insecurity and the growing boldness of criminal gangs operating in parts of the country.

Confirming the arrests on Monday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said he immediately ordered a forensic investigation after receiving the video and accompanying photographs.

According to him, digital forensic analysis and actionable intelligence led operatives of the FCT Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Sector 5, working alongside officers from the Zuba Division, to a coordinated operation at Runji Village in Zuba.

The operation, carried out at about 3:22 a.m. on 25 May, resulted in the arrest of three suspects identified as Umar Babangida, 25; Adamu Yeti, 22; and Yahaya Idris, 24, all residents of Rijana in Kaduna State.

Mr Sanusi said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had previously been in possession of the rifles displayed in the viral video.

He added that the weapons were allegedly supplied by the group’s leader, identified only as “Esco,” who is based in Rijana and remains at large.

Further investigations led to the recovery of additional photographs and video recordings from the suspects’ mobile phones. The materials allegedly showed the suspects wearing military camouflage uniforms, carrying walkie-talkies and brandishing rifles in what police believe were attempts to intimidate members of the public and project the image of an organised armed group.

The arrests come amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across the FCT and neighbouring states. Communities along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor and surrounding areas have, in recent years, witnessed a series of abductions linked to heavily armed criminal gangs operating from forested hideouts.

The police commissioner said the suspects remain in custody and are assisting investigators.

He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the group, while security operatives continue attempts to recover the firearms allegedly used by the suspects.

The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.