Men of the Nigeria Police Force have killed a dreaded kidnapper, Musa Wada Magaji known as Sabo earlier declared wanted by the police allegedly responsible for the numbers of kidnappings in Nasarawa and Abuja, the Nigeria Capital Territory.

The Nigeria Police in a statement made available by the Force Public Relations officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi few minutes ago, indicated that the special police team killed the kidnapper in action on Friday after the arrest of one of the kidnapper’s top gang members.

The police statement reads in quotes: “In the early hours of February 9, 2024, around 2:40am, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau – Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), acting on intelligence, successfully attacked, neutralized and eliminated many notorious kidnappers including the kidnapping kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, in an operation conducted around Mpape, Abuja. The team also destroyed the camps of the dreaded kidnappers who have been thorns in the flesh of Abuja residents in recent times.

The armed bandits engaged the police operatives in a gun battle that lasted for about 30 minutes, which left many of the bandits fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained bullet wounds.

This significant achievement follows closely on the heels of the neutralization of Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada, on February 8, 2024, who served as a lead to their hideout. Musa Wada, a.k.a Sabo, was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom activities plaguing areas including Mpape and Bwari in the FCT; Kagarko in Kaduna; Masaka, and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State. His modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilizing armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom.

The successful raid on their hideout, situated in the outskirts of Mpape Hills, was conducted by the brave men of the FIB-IRT through a surprise assault, resulting in the elimination of these notorious criminals. Additionally, items recovered from the hideout include mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, charms, and hard drugs, which are crucial pieces of evidence aiding ongoing investigations. Efforts are on to recover additional arms and ammunition and other equipment they use for their nefarious operations.

The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and will continue to employ proactive measures to dismantle criminal networks and bring perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice, against all odds”.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Olabisi Okuwobi as the new National Coordinator for the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), and appointment of Coordinators for the six Geopolitical zones across the country “for effectiveness which will surely enhance non-kinetic approach to addressing common security challenges in the country. The decision, which forms part of a broader organizational restructuring, aims to bolster the campaign’s effectiveness in crime prevention through developmental initiatives and human relations”, the Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a statement made available on Saturday afternoon.

The statement indicated that; “CSP Okuwobi boasts a rich academic background, holding a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Ibadan. She is actively engaged with revered professional bodies such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the International Public Relations Association (IPRA). With over two decades of experience within the Nigeria Police Force, including a notable tenure as a Police Information Officer with the United Nations Missions in Liberia, Police Public Relations Officer for Delta, Benue, and Oyo States, Okuwobi has demonstrated versatility across various policing domains.

Acknowledged for her exceptional contributions, Okuwobi has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career including the UN Award of Commendation for Outstanding Performance, the Red Cross Award of Honour, and Legislative Award for Outstanding Performance amongst others. Her prowess in crime fighting and innovative leadership has earned her widespread recognition and admiration.

Given her distinguished career and expertise in law enforcement and public relations, CSP Okuwobi is well-equipped to lead POCACOV into its next phase. In her role as National Coordinator, she will spearhead the implementation of targeted strategies to combat cultism, misuse, and abuse of drugs, crime, and social vices through preventive measures. Emphasizing proactive community engagement, Okuwobi will focus on initiatives within educational institutions, sports, entertainment industry, digital media circles, and youth development to foster positive police-community relations and trust-building mechanisms for the NPF.

The Inspector General of Police, therefore, urges Okuwobi to explore innovative crime prevention strategies and engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including community leaders, educational institutions, youth organizations and partners, foreign and domestic, who have been supporting the vision of the campaign over the years. By cultivating partnerships and facilitating dialogue, POCACOV, under Okuwobi’s stewardship, will advance the vision of a people-friendly Police Force, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians”.