Rasheeda Yahaya
The Gombe State Police Command wishes to provide an update on the ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping syndicates and criminal networks operating across Gombe
On 23rd November 2025, at about 0400hrs, credible intelligence was received from a Good Samaritan implicating one Abdullahi Ibrahim, male, 40 years, of Tilde Village, Funakaye LGA, in harbouring criminals suspected to be involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling. The suspect was promptly arrested, and preliminary investigation commenced.
DSP Buhari Abdullahi Police Public Relations Officer For: Commissioner of Police Gombe State Command in a statement revealed that, following continued interrogation, on 28th November 2025 at about 1920hrs, the suspect confessed to involvement in cattle rustling and multiple kidnapping operations within Gombe State. He also revealed the identities of several accomplices believed to be part of a wider kidnapping syndicate operating across Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, and Adamawa States.
Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, Police operatives attached to Operation Hattara, in collaboration with the Gombe State Professional Hunters Association, stormed identified criminal hideouts, engaging the suspects in a gun duel and successfully arresting six (6) additional members of the gang.
Total Arrested Suspects (7):
1. Usman Mohd, male, 30 years
2. Hussain Idris, male, 37 years
3. Adamu Tukur, male, 37 years
4. Yau Abdullahi, male, 25 years
5. Ali Umar, male, 18 years
6. Hassan Usman, male, 40 years
7. Abdullahi Ibrahim, male, 40 years, of Tilde Village, Funakaye LGA
All suspects confessed during preliminary interviews to participating in several kidnapping operations and receiving an estimated ₦150,000,000 ransom from their victims.
Further intelligence from the arrested suspects led operatives to a location in the Gadam bush area, where a firearm allegedly used in kidnapping operations had been concealed.
As operatives approached the location, they came under sudden attack from unidentified armed syndicate members. A brief exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in:
1. Neutralization of two (2) suspected kidnappers
2. Recovery of one (1) General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG)
3. Recovery of eight (8) rounds of live ammunition
The bodies of the neutralized suspects have been deposited at the Specialist Hospital Mortuary, Gombe.
Recall that on 15/01/2025 at about 0045hrs, a case of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping was recorded at Barderi Village in Akko LGA, where the suspects kidnapped a victim and held him captive for two weeks until he paid a ransom of fifteen million naira (₦15,000,000). The victim (name withheld) later identified the suspects in our custody after an identification parade as those responsible for his abduction (specifically suspects No. 1, 2, and 5). Several other victims have also identified the syndicate as their abductors.
All arrested suspects and recovered exhibits are undergoing further discreet investigation, profiling, and will be prosecuted accordingly.
The Gombe State Police Command reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. The Command appreciates the cooperation of the public and urges residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support policing efforts.
The statement also state that further updates will be communicated in due court.
