The Nigeria Police Force, through the Plateau State Police Command, has arrested Babangida Buba, popularly known as Babawo, a suspected kidnap kingpin, and recovered illegal firearms linked to his gang’s activities in the state.
The arrest followed a sustained manhunt after operatives dismantled a kidnapping syndicate in November 2024 that had been terrorising residents, particularly in Shendam Local Government Area. While several suspects were earlier arrested and remanded by a High Court in Shendam, the gang leader escaped during the initial operation.
Announcing the breakthrough, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Bassey Ewah, disclosed in a statement issued through the command’s spokesperson that the fugitive was apprehended by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team attached to the command.
“The said Babangida Buba, aka Babawo, who has been on the run, has finally been arrested by our gallant IRT operatives attached to the Command,” the statement said.
Police said the suspect confessed during interrogation and revealed that he sold one of the gang’s operational AK-47 rifles to Muhammadu Isiyaku, also known as Mamman, in the Baba Lamba area of Pankshin. Acting on the information, operatives tracked and arrested the buyer.
Further investigation led to the recovery of one Browning Sub-Machine Gun with breach number KR3541 and 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition, as well as another SMG rifle with a defaced breach number loaded with 16 rounds of live ammunition.
The command said efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover more weapons, noting that the suspects will be prosecuted alongside those already standing trial.
Police also warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities, assuring residents of continued security operations and urging them to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements through official emergency channels.
