Police Arrest Armed Robbery Kingpin, Five Others; Recover NSCDC Uniform and Firearms

By David Odama

The Nasarawa State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its fight against violent crimes with the arrest of a notorious kidnap and armed robbery kingpin, Mohammed Bammi, widely known as “Zomo.”

Zomo, a native of Yelwa village in Doma Local Government Area, had long been on the police wanted list over multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery across Doma and nearby communities. He was captured during a clearance operation at Doka forest, following a successful tracking effort by operatives of Doma Division.

In a statement released in Lafia on Sunday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed that Zomo attempted to resist arrest by attacking officers with a knife but was quickly overpowered. His confession later led operatives to his hideout in Alagye village, where several items were recovered, 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 mobile phones

A pair of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) uniforms

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

The suspects were identified as Michael Ato, Richard Ato, Alom Bernard, Hangior Ato, and Jacob Hunde (alias Okocha).

Police investigations linked the gang to the abduction of Blessing John, a resident of Gidan Makaranta village, Wuse. Recovered from them were two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and one live ammunition. Further findings also connected the suspects to the April 2024 kidnapping of Blessing John’s husband, John Ada Kuje, for whom ransom was paid before his release.

Commending the officers for their bravery and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, urged them to intensify efforts until the state is free of kidnappers and armed robbers.

All suspects are presently in the custody of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation and prosecution.