Police arrest suspected kidnap kingpin in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended a suspected kidnapping kingpin, Ya’u Shittu, during a targeted raid by its Scorpion Squad in the Mpape area of Abuja.

Shittu, 27, a native of Kafanchan Local Government Area in Kaduna State, was arrested at approximately 2:28 p.m. on June 13, 2025. His arrest followed actionable digital forensic intelligence that led police to his location.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in two high-profile kidnapping operations. The first incident occurred in Katampe, where a ransom of N10 million was collected. Shittu reportedly received N500,000 as his share. The second kidnapping took place in Shishinpe 1, a community in Mpape.

Shittu also named eight other members of his kidnapping syndicate who are currently on the run. Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and recover their operational weapons.

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A police source within the FCT Command confirmed that Shittu had been on the wanted list for his role in multiple kidnapping incidents across Abuja and surrounding areas. He is also suspected to be linked to the abduction and subsequent killing of a pastor in Mpape in 2024.