The Gombe State Police Command, in collaboration with the Gombe State Professional Hunters Association, has successfully dismantled a major interstate kidnapping syndicate, arresting seven suspects and recovering a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) along with eight rounds of live ammunition.

The operation followed intelligence from a “good Samaritan,” which led to the arrest of a 40-year-old suspect from Tilde Village, Funakaye Local Government Area. The suspect confessed to harboring criminals involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling, helping authorities identify six more members of the syndicate.

During a follow-up operation in the Gadam bush area, police operatives engaged armed gang members in a gunfight, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects. Weapons and other incriminating materials were recovered from their hideouts.

The suspects have reportedly confessed to multiple kidnappings and cattle rustling incidents across Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, and Adamawa states, allegedly collecting approximately ₦150 million in ransom. One notable case involved a victim abducted in January 2025 in Barderi Village, Akko LGA, who reportedly paid ₦15 million after two weeks in captivity.

The Gombe State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring that the suspects will face thorough investigation and prosecution. Authorities also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing efforts against kidnapping and organized crime. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.