Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force NPF, attached to the Force Intelligence Bureau-Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), have successfully attacked, neutralised, and eliminated many notorious kidnappers, including the kidnapping kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, in an operation conducted around Mpape, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, and Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The statement added that the gallant team also destroyed the camps of the dreaded kidnappers, who have been thorns in the flesh of Abuja residents in recent times.
It explained that the operation was successfully carried out ‘in the early hours of February 9, 2024, around 2.40 am, when the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau-Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), acting on intelligence, successfully stormed the hideout and hit hard on the criminal elements.
According to the statement, “The armed bandits engaged the police operatives in a gun battle that lasted for about 30 minutes, which left many of the bandits fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained bullet wounds.
It further explained that this significant achievement followed closely on the heels of the neutralisation of Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada, on February 8, 2024, who served as a lead to their hideout.
Musa Wada, aka Sabo, was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom activities plaguing areas including Mpape and Bwari in the FCT; Kagarko in Kaduna; Masaka; and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State.
According to it, his modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilising armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom.
It further explained, “The successful raid on their hideout, situated on the outskirts of Mpape Hills, was conducted by the brave men of the FIB-IRT through a surprise assault, resulting in the elimination of these notorious criminals.
It added, “Items recovered from the hideout include mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, charms, and hard drugs, which are crucial pieces of evidence aiding ongoing investigations while efforts are on to recover additional arms, ammunition, and other equipment they use for their nefarious operations.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to employ proactive measures to dismantle criminal networks and bring perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice, against all odds,”
the statement added.
