The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers who appeared in a viral video flaunting AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and walkie-talkies while dressed in military camouflage.
Confirming the arrests, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation was launched immediately after the command became aware of the viral video and photographs circulating online.
According to the police commissioner, a comprehensive digital forensic investigation was conducted to determine the origin of the footage, leading to the identification and subsequent arrest of the suspects.
Sanusi disclosed that operatives of the FCT Police Command’s Anti-Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) Sector 5, working alongside personnel from the Zuba Division under the leadership of the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Ogu Caleb Ikechukwu, carried out a coordinated raid on a hideout in Runji Village, Zuba, in the early hours of May 25.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects identified as Umar Babangida, 25; Adamu Yeti, 22; and Yahaya Idris, 24. All three are residents of Rijana in Kaduna State and were among those featured in the viral video.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had previously possessed the AK-47 rifles displayed in the footage. The weapons were allegedly supplied by their gang leader, known simply as “Esco,” who is based in Rijana and remains at large.
The police commissioner further revealed that investigators recovered additional videos and photographs from the suspects’ mobile phones. The materials allegedly showed the suspects dressed in military camouflage, carrying walkie-talkies, and posing with AK-47 rifles.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators. Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing gang leader and other members of the criminal network, as well as recover the firearms used by the group.