The Gombe State Police Command reported on Friday the arrest of seven suspected members of a kidnapping gang, the neutralization of two others, and the recovery of a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) as part of coordinated operations.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, on Friday, the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Gombe State Professional Hunters Association as part of increased intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling.
According to the statement, the breakthrough occurred on November 23, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m., when “credible intelligence was received from a Good Samaritan implicating one Abdullahi Ibrahim, 40, of Tilde Village, Funakaye LGA, in harboring criminals suspected of kidnapping and cattle rustling.” Ibrahim was apprehended instantly, and investigators began questioning him.
According to Abdullahi, the suspect then admitted to his role in cattle rustling and several kidnapping operations throughout the 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,” the statement added.
On November 28, Operation Hattara operatives, supported by experienced hunters, attacked multiple identified criminal hideouts, engaging the suspects in a gun duel based on intelligence gathered during the interrogation. Six more members of the gang were apprehended.
Those arrested include Usman Mohammed (30), Hussain Idris (37), Adamu Tukur (37), Yau Abdullahi (25), Ali Umar (18), Hassan Usman (40), and the earlier arrested Abdullahi Ibrahim (40).
“All suspects confessed during preliminary interviews to participating in several kidnapping operations and receiving an estimated ₦150,000,000 ransom from their victims,” the Command disclosed.
Further information provided by the suspects led authorities to the Gadam jungle region, where the group allegedly hid a handgun used in abduction operations. As the operatives neared the spot, they were suddenly attacked by unidentified armed syndicate members.
“A brief exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in the neutralization of two suspected kidnappers and the recovery of one GPMG and eight rounds of live ammunition,” DSP Abdullahi said. The bodies of the neutralized suspects have since been deposited at the Specialist Hospital Mortuary, Gombe.
The arrested suspects were linked to a kidnapping on January 15, 2025, in Barderi Village, Akko LGA. The victim was abducted and held for two weeks until a ₦15 million ransom was paid.
“The victim later identified the suspects in our custody—specifically suspects No. 1, 2, and 5—as those responsible for his abduction,” the Command said, adding that several other victims had also identified the gang as their abductors.
According to Abdullahi, all suspects remain in jail as investigations continue. “Recovered exhibits are undergoing further discreet investigation and profiling and will be prosecuted accordingly,” the official stated.
The Police Command assured people that it was determined to rid the state of criminal groups.
“The Gombe State Police Command reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the state,” the PPRO said. He appealed to the public to continue providing timely and credible information, saying such support “remains crucial to policing efforts.”
