Plateau police arrest notorious kidnap kingpin, recover firearms

2026-02-26 - 15:58

By Golok Nanmwa JOS — The Plateau State Police Command has apprehended Babangida Buba, alias Babawo, a notorious kidnap kingpin who had evaded capture after a previous operation dismantled his syndicate in Shendam. The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) following an intensified manhunt. Babawo had escaped during a November 2024 raid that led to the arrest of Abubakar Ahmadu Bello and three other members of his gang, who remain in custody at the High Court in Shendam. During interrogation, Babawo confessed to his involvement in multiple kidnappings and revealed that he sold one of the gang’s operational AK-47 rifles to Muhammadu Isiyaku, alias Mamman, from Baba Lamba in Pankshin. Acting on this information, police arrested Mamman and recovered the following weapons: a Browning Sub-Machine Gun with breach number KR3541 loaded with 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and another SMG rifle with a defaced breach number loaded with 16 rounds of live ammunition. Bassey Ewah, the state Commissioner of Police, commended the operatives for their professionalism and dedication. He warned criminal elements against exploiting the period to commit crimes, assuring residents that the command is fully equipped to respond decisively to any threats. He urged citizens to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities, and report any suspicious movements to the Plateau State Police Command.