By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a suspected logistics and illicit drug supplier to kidnapping gangs operating in Abuja and rescued an abducted victim without payment of ransom.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed this on Monday during a briefing at the Command Headquarters in Abuja.
He identified the suspect as Umaru Danda, a native of Zamfara State residing in Gadabiu village, Niger State, saying he was arrested following investigations into the July 8 kidnapping at Yellow House in the Mpape area of the FCT.
According to the police commissioner, investigations revealed that the kidnappers relied on Danda for the supply of hard drugs, logistics and other items used to sustain their criminal operations.
Sanusi said the suspect led investigators to three hideouts used by the gang in neighbouring Niger State, where operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, large quantities of tramadol, suspected cocaine, cannabis, a digital scale, ATM cards, AirPods, bags and N250,000 cash.
He added that bottles containing tablets suspected to be illicit substances and other exhibits were also recovered during the operation.
The commissioner said the suspect remained in police custody and would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.
Sanusi also announced the successful rescue of a kidnapping victim abducted in the Karshi area of the FCT on July 12 after gunmen reportedly fired sporadically before fleeing with the hostage.
He said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a coordinated search of the Karshi axis and adjoining Waru Hills, which connect the FCT to Nasarawa State, leading to the victim’s rescue on July 16 at about 12:45 a.m.
According to him, the victim was rescued unharmed without any ransom being paid, treated at a hospital and reunited with family members.
Police also recovered a locally painted Makarov pistol, a dagger, military camouflage and assorted charms during the rescue operation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the kidnapping gang.
