Police bust inter-state kidnapping syndicate, neutralize two, arrest seven, recover GPMG and ammunition in Gombe

The Gombe State Police Command has uncovered an inter-state criminal syndicate allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, and cattle rustling.

According to the command, operatives working alongside professional hunters raided several criminal hideouts, engaged the suspects in a gun battle, neutralised two members of the gang, and arrested seven others.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, December 5, 2025, while giving an update on ongoing intelligence-led operations targeting kidnapping groups and other criminal networks across the state.

He added that a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and eight rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the operation.

Abdullahi further revealed that the arrested suspects confessed to receiving an estimated ₦150 million in ransom payments from their victims.

“On 23rd November 2025, at about 0400hrs, credible intelligence from a Good Samaritan linked one Abdullahi Ibrahim, male, 40 years, of Tilde Village, Funakaye LGA, to harbouring criminals suspected of involvement in kidnapping and cattle rustling. He was immediately arrested, and preliminary investigation began,” the statement added.

Following continued interrogation, on 28th November 2025 at about 1920hrs, the suspect confessed to involvement in cattle rustling and multiple kidnapping operations within Gombe State.

“He also revealed the identities of several accomplices believed to be part of a wider kidnapping syndicate operating across Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, and Adamawa States.

“Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, Police operatives attached to Operation Hattara, in collaboration with the Gombe State Professional Hunters Association, stormed identified criminal hideouts, engaging the suspects in a gun duel and successfully arresting six (6) additional members of the gang.”

The suspects arrested are Usman Mohd, male, 30, Hussain Idris, male, 37, Adamu Tukur, male, Yau Abdullahi, male, 25, Ali Umar, male, 18, Hassan Usman, male, 40 and Abdullahi Ibrahim, male, 40 years, of Tilde Village, Funakaye LGA.

“All suspects confessed during preliminary interviews to participating in several kidnapping operations and receiving an estimated N150,000,000 ransom from their victims,” the statement read.

“Further intelligence from the arrested suspects led operatives to a location in the Gadam bush area, where a firearm allegedly used in kidnapping operations had been concealed.

“As operatives approached the location, they came under sudden attack from unidentified armed syndicate members.

“A brief exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in neutralization of two (2) suspected kidnappers, recovery of one (1) General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and recovery of eight rounds of live ammunition.

“The bodies of the neutralized suspects have been deposited at the Specialist Hospital Mortuary, Gombe.

“Recall that on 15/01/2025 at about 0045hrs, a case of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping was recorded at Barderi Village in Akko LGA, where the suspects kidnapped a victim and held him captive for two weeks until he paid a ransom of fifteen million naira (N15,000,000).

“The victim (name withheld) later identified the suspects in our custody after an identification parade as those responsible for his abduction (specifically suspects No. 1, 2, and 5. Several other victims have also identified the syndicate as their abductors.

“All arrested suspects and recovered exhibits are undergoing further discreet investigation, profiling, and will be prosecuted accordingly.

“The Gombe State Police Command reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

“The Command appreciates the cooperation of the public and urges residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support policing efforts. Further updates will be communicated in due course.”