Operatives of the Nigerian Police have killed a notorious kidnapper, destroying his hideout in the Mpape area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Force also killed one of the wanted kingpins terrorising the city according to a statement issued on Saturday
The operation, executed on the heels of intelligence gathering, witnessed the end of Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, a kidnapping kingpin, hiding in the area.
The statement, signed by the Police spokesperson, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi said that the operation was executed by the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau – Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT).
The statement reads: “Musa Waba was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom activities 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 mobilizing armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom.”
During the operation, Adejobi revealed that “The armed bandits engaged the police operatives in a gun battle that lasted for about 30 minutes, which left many of the bandits fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained bullet wounds.”
The dreaded kidnapper, Muyiwa said, operated camps that have been thorns in the flesh of Abuja residents in recent times.
His death comes barely three days after police operatives killed Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada.
Abubakar had before his death served as a lead to the hideout in Mpape.
“The successful raid on their hideout, situated in the outskirts of Mpape Hills, was conducted by the brave men of 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.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and will continue to employ proactive measures to dismantle criminal networks and bring perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice, against all odds,” the statement added
