In the month of November 2024, the Plateau State Police Command dislodged a kidnap syndicate notorious for terrorising innocent citizens, particularly in Shendam Local Government Area of the State, where one Abubakar Ahmadu Bello and three others were arrested and are currently being remanded at the High Court of Justice in Shendam.

During the operation, their gang leader, one Babangida Buba, also known as Babawo, unfortunately escaped but has finally been arrested by the gallant IRT operatives attached to the Command.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State Command, Superintendent of Police  Alfred Alabo, said the suspect confessed to the crime and revealed that he sold one of their operational AK47 Rifles to one Muhammadu Isiyaku.

Alabo said that upon receipt of the information, police operatives immediately swung into action and arrested Mamman.

“Further investigation led to the recovery of the following exhibits: One Browning Sub-Machine gun with Breach Number KR3541 and 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and an additional SMG rifle with defaced breach number, loaded with 16 rounds of live ammunition.

“Investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to arrest more gang members and weapons. The suspect will be prosecuted alongside those already facing prosecution,” he added.

The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Bassey Ewah, has sent a stern warning to all criminal elements within the state, as well as crisis merchants who may want to use this tense period as an avenue to cause mayhem, to desist from such plans, as the command is ready and well-equipped to deal with them decisively.

Ewah also encouraged members of the public to remain calm and go about their daily activities without fear of molestation, calling on them to call the phone numbers made available to the public in case of emergency.