Operatives of the Police Intelligence Bureau -Intelligence Response Team acting on intelligence successfully eliminated many notorious kidnappers including a kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji in an operation around Mpape, Abuja at the weekend.
The team also destroyed camps of the kidnappers.
According to the police spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in the operation early Friday, the bandits engaged police operatives in a gun battle that lasted for about 30 minutes, leaving many bandits fatally injured, while one police operative sustained bullet wounds.
“This significant achievement followed closely on the heels of the neutralisation of Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada, on February 8, 2024. He served as a lead to their hideout. Musa Wada, aka Sabo, was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom plaguing areas including Mpape and Bwari in the FCT; Kagarko in Kaduna; Masaka and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State. His modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilising armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom.
“The successful raid on their hideout situated on the outskirts of Mpape Hills, was conducted by the FIB-IRT through a surprise assault, resulting in the elimination of these notorious criminals. Additionally, items recovered from the hideout include mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, charms, and hard drugs, which are crucial pieces of evidence aiding ongoing investigations. Efforts are on to recover additional arms and ammunition and other equipment they use for their nefarious operations,” he said.
