The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers who appeared in a viral video openly displaying AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and walkie-talkies while dressed in military camouflage.

Confirming the development, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, CP Ahmed Sanusi, said he immediately ordered a comprehensive forensic investigation into the video and directed security operatives to track down and arrest those involved.

According to the police commissioner, digital forensic analysis and actionable intelligence led operatives of the FCT Police Command’s Anti-Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) Sector 5 and personnel from the Zuba Division, under the leadership of the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Ogu Caleb Ikechukwu, to launch a coordinated operation at Runji Village in Zuba.

The operation, carried out on May 25 at about 3:22 a.m., resulted in the arrest of three suspects identified as Umar Babangida, 25; Adamu Yeti, 22; and Yahaya Idris, 24. The suspects are all residents of Rijana in Kaduna State and were among those featured in the viral footage.

Police investigations revealed that the suspects had previously possessed the AK-47 rifles displayed in the video. The weapons were allegedly supplied by their gang leader, identified only as “Esco,” who is based in Rijana, Kaduna State, and remains at large.

Further investigations led to the recovery of additional videos and photographs from the suspects’ mobile phones, showing them dressed in military camouflage, carrying walkie-talkies, and posing with AK-47 rifles.

The suspects are currently in police custody undergoing further investigation. The FCT Police Command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the criminal network, as well as recover the firearms used by the suspects.