Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE FCT Police Command has dealt a major blow to a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating along the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State border, neutralising the gang’s leader and another member during a fierce gunfight in the Karshi area.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Violence Crime Unit conducted a coordinated raid on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Karshi on 3rd May 2026.
Upon spotting the police team, the suspects opened fire, sparking a gun duel.
In the ensuing exchange, the gang leader, one Baba Ibrahim, also known as “Tsoho”, and another suspect, Isha Shehu, were neutralised.
Three other gang members escaped with what are believed to be bullet wounds, while one suspect was arrested at the scene.
A subsequent search of the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one pistol, and seventeen rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary investigations have identified the syndicate’s core members.
Led by the late Baba Ibrahim alias “Tsoho”, the gang also comprises Khalid, Dan Geskiya, Mohammadu Mai Tsage, Isah Shehu (deceased), and one Dogo.
Police have linked the outfit to multiple kidnapping incidents across Gwagwalada, Nyanya, Jikwoyi, and Karshi, with no fewer than 12 victims abducted.
In a particularly grim revelation, the gang has also been implicated in the sexual assault of a female victim and the murder of three individuals — even after ransoms had been paid.
The total sum collected from victims’ families exceeds 60 million naira.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, has commended the operatives for their professionalism, bravery, and tactical precision during the operation.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate, while the arrested suspect will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
The Command has issued an urgent appeal to hospitals and medical practitioners within and around the FCT to promptly report any individuals presenting with gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest police station.
Members of the public are also urged to remain vigilant and to provide credible, timely information via the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003193 and 08061581938.
