The Nasarawa State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained war against criminal elements, with the arrest of a dreaded armed robbery and kidnap kingpin, Mohammed Bammi, popularly known as Zomo.
The suspect, a resident of Yelwa village, had long been on the police watchlist for masterminding multiple kidnappings and robberies across Doma Local Government Area and neighboring communities.
Confirming the development, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, said Zomo, who narrowly escaped arrest last month when some of his gang members were apprehended, was captured during a clearance operation at Doka Forest.
“In a desperate attempt to evade capture, the suspect pulled a knife to attack the officers, but he was swiftly overpowered and arrested,” Nansel disclosed.
He added that upon interrogation, the kingpin led detectives to his hideout at Alagye village in Doma, where dangerous weapons and incriminating items were recovered.
These include one pump-action rifle, a locally made AK-47 rifle with magazine, two live ammunition, five cartridges, a knife, a rope, two Tecno handsets, and a pair of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) uniforms.
In a related operation, undercover operatives attached to the Awe Area Command stormed Gidan Taku village in Wuse Chiefdom, Awe Local Government Area, following credible intelligence.
Five suspected members of a notorious 10-man kidnapping syndicate were arrested. The suspects, identified as Michael Ato, Richard Ato, Alom Bernard, Hangior Ato, and Jacob Hunde a.k.a. Okocha, were linked to several high-profile abductions.
According to Nansel, investigations revealed that the gang was responsible for the recent abduction of one Blessing John of Gidan Makaranta village, Wuse.
“Two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and one live ammunition were recovered from the suspects. Further investigation uncovered that in April 2024, the same gang abducted the victim’s husband, John Ada Kuje, before collecting ransom for his release,” the Police spokesman explained.
The Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, commended the gallant operatives for their resilience and professionalism in tracking down the criminals.
He urged officers to intensify efforts until the state is completely rid of kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal networks threatening peace and security.
Nansel confirmed that all the arrested suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command for further investigation and prosecution.
He assured residents that the Police would sustain its offensive against criminal gangs while seeking the cooperation of the public in providing useful information.
