Police Arrest Notorious Kidnap Kingpin ‘Zomo’, 5 Others In Awe, Doma
By Rabiu Omaku, Lafia
Operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command attached to Doma Division have arrested a notorious kidnap kingpin, Mohammed Bammi known as ‘Zomo’ of Yelwa Ediya village.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Sunday.
According to the statement, the suspect is responsible for multiple kidnappings and armed robberies across Doma Local Government Area of the state and its environs.
Nansel disclosed that “the suspect, who narrowly escaped arrest last month when his gang members were apprehended, finally ran out of luck. During a clearance operation at Doka forest, eagle-eyed operatives spotted him. In a desperate bid to evade capture, he pulled a knife to attack the officers but was swiftly overpowered and arrested.
“Upon interrogation, Zomo led detectives to their hideout at Alagye village, Doma, where the following dangerous exhibits were recovered: One pump-action rifle (Breech No. P331551), One locally made AK-47 rifle with magazine, Two live ammunition and five cartridges, One knife and a rope, Two Tecno handsets and apair of NSCDC uniforms,” the statement reads further.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer also confirmed the arrest of five suspected members of a notorious 10-man kidnapping syndicate in a separate sting operation based on credible intelligence.
Nansel said the suspects were arrested by undercover operatives attached to Awe Area Command at Gidan Taku village of Wuse Chiefdom in Awe Local Government Area of the State.
The suspects arrested are Michael Ato, Richard Ato, Alom Bernard, Hangior Ato, and Jacob Hunde a.k.a. Okocha.
“Investigations revealed that the syndicate masterminded the kidnapping of Blessing John (f), of Gidan Makaranta village, Wuse. Two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and one live ammunition were recovered from them.
“Further investigation uncovered that in April 2024, the same gang abducted the victim’s husband, John Ada Kuje (m), collecting ransom before releasing him.
“The Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, has commended the gallant officers for their courage and professionalism.
He charged them to intensify the heat on criminals until the state is completely free of kidnappers and armed robbers.
“All arrested suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation and prosecution,” Nansel added.