Below: After their arrest
The Nigeria Police Force in the Federal Capital Territory has arrested three suspected kidnappers who were seen in a viral video displaying AK-47 rifles, ammunition and communication devices while dressed in military-style camouflage.
Speaking with journalists, FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the command immediately launched an investigation after the footage surfaced online.
He explained that a forensic review of the video was ordered, alongside efforts to identify and locate those involved.
According to the police chief, intelligence gathering and digital tracking eventually led operatives to a hideout in Runji Village, Zuba.
Acting on the information, officers from the FCT Police VCRU Sector 5 and personnel from the Zuba Division carried out a coordinated operation in the early hours of May 25, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
The suspects were identified as Umar Babangida, 25, Adamu Yeti, 22, and Yahaya Idris, 24. Police said all three are residents of Rijana in Kaduna State.
Investigators reportedly discovered during preliminary questioning that the suspects obtained the rifles from the leader of their group, identified only as Esco, who is currently on the run.
Authorities said the suspect is believed to be from Rijana and remains a key target in the ongoing investigation.
A search of the suspects’ mobile phones allegedly uncovered additional videos and photographs showing them posing with military-style uniforms, sophisticated firearms and communication gadgets.
A viral video shows one of the suspected bandits begging the troops for mercy after they threatened to burn him alive.
In one of the clips sighted by Microsecondnews, a person doused the alleged suspect with fuel and pretended he was trying to strike a match.
The suspect broke down begging to be spared, while voices can be heard in the background asking why he should receive mercy when he did not show any to his victims. The suspect continued to plead in the name of Allah to be spared.
The three suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
The command said efforts are ongoing to track down Esco and other members of the criminal network, while also working to recover the weapons allegedly used by the group.
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