The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismantled a transnational kidnapping syndicate that demanded N230m in ransom from foreign nationals lured into Nigeria under false promises of money-spinning jobs.
Police said its operatives rescued 23 victims and arrested 14 suspects during a sting operation in Nasarawa State.
The Command’s Scorpion Squad launched the operation around 8 pm on Tuesday, October 22, 2025, at Angwan Adamu Ruga Fulani Zone B, Riverside, Ado Mararaba, where the hostages were held.
According to police findings, the foreigners from West African countries were deceived into travelling to Nigeria by a criminal syndicate posing as recruiters.
Once they arrived, the kidnappers held them captive and demanded ransom from their families via WhatsApp and other online platforms.
His younger brother, Sougule Zoubere, allegedly coordinated the fake recruitment, trafficking, and detention of victims smuggled from Mali into Nigeria through illegal border routes.
Adeh said: “The victims were trafficked into the country through illegal border routes in a journey lasting about three days. They were subsequently confined in two fortified two-bedroom apartments under inhumane conditions.
Adeh confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down the principal suspect, Abubakar Jigiba, and his brother Sougule Zoubere, both of whom remain at large.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the FCT Police Command via its emergency hotlines: 08032003913, 08028940883, and CRU: 08107314192.
