The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping with the arrest of two suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate linked to multiple abduction cases in the state.
Addressing journalists on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, arrested 38-year-old Dauda Mohamed during a coordinated intelligence-led operation on July 27, 2026.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation to participating in several kidnapping operations across Anambra State. He reportedly identified Umar Ali, popularly known as “Barjini,” as the leader of the gang responsible for coordinating logistics and supplying weapons used by the criminal network.
Mohamed also named two other suspected members of the syndicate, identified as Usman and Gongola, who are currently on the run.
The police said investigations linked the suspects to the abduction of a victim at Divine Heritage Lodge in Ukwulu, Dunukofia Local Government Area, on June 26, 2026. The victim was reportedly kidnapped by armed men who emerged from an uncompleted building behind the lodge, fired several gunshots, and whisked the victim into a nearby bush.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦30 million but later accepted ₦15 million after negotiations. The victim was released after spending four days in captivity.
SP Ikenga disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the syndicate allegedly relocated from armed bandit enclaves in Nigeria’s North-West to establish criminal operations in parts of the South-East. The gang was also alleged to have used an AK-47 rifle supplied by its leader to carry out kidnapping and armed robbery operations.
Acting on information obtained during the interrogation of the first suspect, police operatives extended the operation to Ugwuoba Gariki in Enugu State, where they arrested Umar Ali, also known as “Barjini.”
The Police Command assured residents that it remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and denying kidnappers safe havens in Anambra State.
The command also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community support remains vital in the fight against crime.
Police said investigations are ongoing and promised to provide further updates as more arrests are made.
