The Gombe State Police Command has announced the arrest of seven suspected members of a kidnap syndicate, the neutralisation of two others, and the recovery of a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) during coordinated security operations.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, the Command explained that the operations were conducted in collaboration with the Gombe State Professional Hunters Association as part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling.

According to the statement, the breakthrough followed a tip-off received on November 23, 2025, around 4:00 a.m., implicating one Abdullahi Ibrahim, 40, of Tilde Village, Funakaye LGA, in harbouring individuals linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling. Ibrahim was arrested and, during interrogation, confessed to his involvement in criminal activities and identified several accomplices.

He reportedly named members of a syndicate operating across Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, and Adamawa States.

Acting on the intelligence, operatives of Operation Hattara, supported by professional hunters, raided identified hideouts on November 28. During the operation, six additional suspects were arrested after an encounter with the criminals.

Those arrested include Usman Mohammed (30), Hussain Idris (37), Adamu Tukur (37), Yau Abdullahi (25), Ali Umar (18), Hassan Usman (40), and the earlier arrested Abdullahi Ibrahim (40).

The suspects allegedly confessed to participating in multiple kidnapping operations and collecting an estimated N150 million in ransom payments.

Further intelligence led officers to the Gadam bush area, where the gang had reportedly hidden a firearm used in their operations. As operatives approached, they were attacked by unidentified armed members of the syndicate. Police returned fire, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspects and the recovery of a GPMG and eight rounds of ammunition.

The Command also linked the arrested suspects to a January 15, 2025, kidnapping in Barderi Village, Akko LGA, where a victim was held for two weeks before a N15 million ransom was paid. The victim later identified some of the arrested suspects as his abductors.

Abdullahi said all suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. He added that recovered exhibits are being examined and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

The Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to eliminating criminal activities and ensuring sustained security across the state.