Police Arrest Notorious Kidnap, Armed Robbery Kingpin, Others In Nasarawa

Operatives of the Nasarawa Police Command have arrested a dreaded armed robbery and kidnap kingpin, Mohammed Bammi a.k.a. ‘Zomo’ alongside others, in a major breakthrough against criminal elements in the state.

Zomo, according to the state police Command, was responsible for multiple kidnappings and robberies across Doma local government area and its environs.

The suspect, who narrowly escaped police onslaught in July was arrested during a clearance operation at Doka Forest by the operatives of the Doma Division.

The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel said Zomo was spotted by the eagle-eyed operatives who arrested him.

“In a desperate bid to evade capture, he pulled a knife to attack the officers but was swiftly overpowered and arrested.

“Upon interrogation, Zomo led detectives to their hideout at Alagye Village, Doma, where the following dangerous exhibits were recovered: One pump-action rifle (Breech No. P331551); one locally made AK-47 rifle with magazine; two live ammunition and five cartridges; one knife and a rope; two Tecno handsets; and a pair of NSCDC uniforms,” he said.

In a similar vein, SP Nansel disclosed that members of a 10-man kidnap syndicate were also arrested by operatives attached to Awe Division of the Command.

“In a separate sting operation, based on credible intelligence, undercover operatives attached to Awe Area Command stormed Gidan Taku Village, Wuse Chiefdom, Awe LGA, and arrested five suspected members of a notorious 10-man kidnapping syndicate,” he said.

The police spokesman named the suspects as Michael Ato, Richard Ato, Alom Bernard, Hangior Ato and Jacob Hunde a.k.a. Okocha, all males.

“Investigations revealed that the syndicate masterminded the kidnapping of Blessing John (f), of Gidan Makaranta Village, Wuse,” he said.

The PPRO discloses that two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and one live ammunition were recovered from the suspects.

“Further investigation uncovered that in April 2024, the same gang abducted the victim’s husband, John Ada Kuje (m), collecting ransom before releasing him,” he added.

Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed commended the gallant officers for their courage and professionalism.

He charged them to intensify the heat on criminals until the state is completely free of kidnappers and armed robbers.

“All arrested suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation and prosecution,” the PPRO explained.