In a significant victory against crime in Nasarawa State, operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have apprehended a notorious kidnap kingpin, Mohammed Bammi, alias “Zomo,” in Doma Local Government Area (LGA). The arrest, which marks a critical step in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and armed robbery in the region, was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ramhan Nansel, in a statement released on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Alongside Zomo’s capture, a separate operation led to the arrest of five members of a 10-man kidnapping syndicate in Awe LGA, further demonstrating the police’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks in the state.
Arrest of Mohammed Bammi, Alias “Zomo”
Mohammed Bammi, popularly known as “Zomo,” has long been a thorn in the side of law enforcement in Doma LGA, where he orchestrated numerous kidnappings and armed robberies. His criminal activities had terrorized residents, leaving communities in constant fear. The police, through relentless efforts and strategic operations, finally closed in on the suspect, bringing an end to his reign of terror.
According to SP Nansel, Zomo was apprehended during a clearance operation in Doka forest, a known hideout for criminals in the area. The operation was conducted by operatives attached to the Doma Division, who displayed remarkable vigilance in spotting the suspect. Zomo, described as a “dreaded armed robbery and kidnap kingpin” from Yelwa village, had narrowly escaped arrest in a previous operation last month when several of his gang members were apprehended. However, his luck ran out during this latest encounter with the police.
In a desperate attempt to evade capture, Zomo resorted to violence, pulling out a knife and attempting to stab the officers. The operatives, undeterred by the threat, demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery, swiftly overpowering and apprehending him. His arrest is a testament to the professionalism and courage of the Nasarawa State Police Command, which has been intensifying its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
Following his capture, Zomo was interrogated, and his cooperation led detectives to a hideout in Alagye village, Doma LGA. The police recovered a cache of dangerous weapons and other incriminating items, including:
One pump-action rifle (Breech No. P331551)
One locally made AK-47 rifle with a magazine
Two live rounds of ammunition and five cartridges
One knife and a rope
Two Tecno handsets
A pair of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) uniforms
The recovery of NSCDC uniforms raises concerns about the syndicate’s tactics, which may include impersonating security personnel to carry out their nefarious activities. The seized items are now in police custody and will serve as critical evidence in the ongoing investigation and prosecution of Zomo and his accomplices.
Sting Operation in Awe LGA Targets Kidnapping Syndicate
In a separate but equally impactful operation, operatives attached to the Awe Area Command conducted a sting operation in Gidan Taku village, Wuse Chiefdom, Awe LGA. Acting on credible intelligence, undercover officers stormed the village and arrested five suspected 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.”
Investigations revealed that this syndicate was responsible for the kidnapping of Blessing John, a female resident of Gidan Makaranta village, Wuse. The group had also previously abducted Blessing John’s husband, John Ada Kuje, in April 2024. In that incident, the syndicate collected a ransom before releasing their victim, highlighting their organized and ruthless approach to crime.
During the operation, the police recovered two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and one live round of ammunition from the suspects. These weapons further underscore the dangerous nature of the syndicate and the threat they posed to the safety and security of residents in Awe LGA and beyond.
Ongoing Investigations and Commendation from the Commissioner of Police
All arrested suspects, including Mohammed Bammi and the five members of the kidnapping syndicate, have been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Nasarawa State Police Command for further investigation. The police are working diligently to uncover additional details about the suspects’ operations, including potential links to other criminal networks in the state and beyond. The recovered weapons, ammunition, and other items will be subjected to forensic analysis to aid in the investigation and prosecution processes.
The Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, has praised the operatives involved in these operations for their gallantry and professionalism. In his remarks, the commissioner emphasized the command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating crime in the state. He urged the officers to sustain their efforts and intensify the pressure on criminals until Nasarawa State is completely free of kidnappers, armed robbers, and other lawless elements.
The commissioner also reassured the public that the police remain dedicated to protecting lives and property. He encouraged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to aid security operations, noting that community cooperation is vital to achieving lasting peace and security in the state.
Context and Significance of the Arrests
The arrests of Mohammed Bammi and the five syndicate members represent a significant milestone in the Nasarawa State Police Command’s ongoing campaign against crime. Kidnapping and armed robbery have been persistent challenges in parts of Nigeria, including Nasarawa State, where criminal gangs often exploit remote areas and forests to carry out their activities. The Doka forest, where Zomo was apprehended, and other isolated locations have served as safe havens for criminals, making it difficult for security forces to track them.
By targeting these hideouts and leveraging intelligence-driven operations, the police have demonstrated their ability to adapt and respond effectively to evolving criminal tactics. The recovery of weapons, including locally fabricated rifles, highlights the growing sophistication of criminal syndicates, which often rely on homemade firearms to carry out their attacks. The presence of NSCDC uniforms in Zomo’s possession also raises alarm about the potential misuse of security attire, which could erode public trust in law enforcement agencies.
The arrest of Zomo, in particular, is a major blow to kidnapping and robbery syndicates in Doma LGA. As a kingpin, his capture disrupts the leadership structure of his gang and sends a strong message to other criminals that the police are closing in. Similarly, the dismantling of the 10-man kidnapping syndicate in Awe LGA weakens the operational capacity of organized crime in the region, providing relief to communities that have been victimized by these groups.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While these arrests are a cause for optimism, they also underscore the broader challenges facing security forces in Nigeria. Kidnapping and armed robbery are driven by a complex mix of factors, including poverty, unemployment, and the proliferation of small arms. Addressing these root causes requires a multi-faceted approach that combines law enforcement efforts with social and economic interventions.
The Nasarawa State Police Command’s success in these operations highlights the importance of intelligence gathering, community engagement, and inter-agency collaboration. The recovery of NSCDC uniforms, for instance, suggests the need for stricter oversight of security uniforms and equipment to prevent their misuse by criminals. Additionally, the use of locally fabricated weapons points to the need for stronger measures to curb the illegal arms trade.
The commissioner’s call for sustained pressure on criminals is a reminder that the fight against crime is far from over. Criminals often adapt their tactics in response to law enforcement actions, and the police must remain proactive in anticipating and countering these changes. Regular training, investment in modern policing tools, and partnerships with other security agencies will be critical to maintaining the momentum gained from these arrests.
Community Impact and Public Response
The arrests have been met with widespread relief among residents of Doma and Awe LGAs, where communities have lived under the shadow of fear due to the activities of kidnappers and robbers. The police’s success in apprehending high-profile criminals like Zomo and dismantling a kidnapping syndicate sends a powerful message of hope to residents, reinforcing their confidence in the security forces.
Local leaders and community members have commended the police for their efforts, with many calling for increased collaboration between the public and security agencies. By providing timely and accurate information, residents can play a pivotal role in helping the police identify and apprehend criminals. Community policing initiatives, which emphasize trust-building and cooperation, could further strengthen the relationship between the police and the public.
The arrest of Mohammed Bammi, alias “Zomo,” and the five members of a kidnapping syndicate in Nasarawa State represents a significant step forward in the fight against crime. The operations, conducted with precision and bravery, underscore the Nasarawa State Police Command’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents. The recovery of dangerous weapons and incriminating items, including NSCDC uniforms, highlights the complexity of the challenge and the need for continued vigilance.
As investigations continue, the police are poised to uncover more details about the suspects’ operations, potentially leading to further arrests and the dismantling of additional criminal networks. The Commissioner of Police’s charge to intensify efforts against criminals reflects a broader determination to make Nasarawa State a safer place for all.
These achievements serve as a reminder of the importance of sustained law enforcement efforts, community cooperation, and proactive measures to address the root causes of crime. While challenges remain, the Nasarawa State Police Command’s recent successes offer hope that, with continued dedication, the state can overcome the scourge of kidnapping and armed robbery, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future.
