A suspected kidnapper, Buhari Adamu, has told police he accidentally shot himself while his gang was negotiating ransom with the families of kidnapped victims along the FCT–Nasarawa axis.
In a video shared by Arise TV, Adamu said the firearm discharged accidentally during the negotiations, leaving him seriously injured. “We were negotiating when I mistakenly pulled the trigger and shot myself. After that, I don’t know what happened to the hostages,” he said.
Adamu said he remained in the bush for three days as his leg became badly infected. He claimed he later met a man, falsely told him that armed robbers had attacked him, stolen his motorcycle and money, and shot him, after which he was taken to a hospital for treatment. He also admitted that members of the gang spent ransom proceeds on clothes, drinks and other personal expenses.
His alleged accomplice, Abubakar Saidu, claimed another gang member, identified as Ardo, killed the hostages with a machete despite his objections.
Police said the suspects were arrested after weeks of digital surveillance and intelligence-led operations by the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad, adding that investigations are continuing to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate.
