Police arrest dreaded kidnap kingpin Zomo in Nasarawa, recover rifles and uniforms, as five other syndicate members fall in separate sting operation

Police arrest dreaded kidnap kingpin Zomo in Nasarawa after months of pursuit, bringing an end to the reign of one of the state’s most notorious criminal figures.

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According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, the suspect, identified as Mohammed Bammi a.k.a. “Zomo” of Yelwa village, was captured during a clearance operation at Doka forest.

“Eagle-eyed operatives spotted him. In a desperate bid to evade capture, he pulled a knife to attack the officers but was swiftly overpowered and arrested,” Nansel said.

The suspect, long linked to multiple kidnappings and robberies in Doma Local Government Area, had narrowly escaped police dragnet last month when some of his gang members were arrested.

Upon interrogation, Zomo led detectives to the gang’s hideout in Alagye village, Doma, where officers recovered a cache of dangerous items including:

* One pump-action rifle (Breech No. P331551)
* One locally made AK-47 rifle with magazine
* Two live ammunition and five cartridges
* One knife and a rope
* Two Tecno handsets
* A pair of NSCDC uniforms

In a related sting operation, operatives from Awe Area Command stormed Gidan Taku village, Wuse Chiefdom, Awe LGA, arresting five members of a notorious 10-man kidnapping syndicate.

The suspects — Michael Ato, Richard Ato, Alom Bernard, Hangior Ato, and Jacob Hunde a.k.a. Okocha — were linked to the abduction of Blessing John of Gidan Makaranta village. Recovered from them were two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and one live ammunition.

Investigations further revealed that the same gang abducted John Ada Kuje, the victim’s husband, in April 2024, releasing him only after ransom payment.

Commending the gallant officers, the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, urged security personnel to sustain the pressure on criminals until the state is free of kidnappers and armed robbers.

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All arrested suspects have since been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation and prosecution.