The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, identified as Dauda Mohamed and Umar Ali, popularly known as “Barjini,” both from Kogi State.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Umar Ali, aged 50, is the alleged leader of the gang responsible for coordinating logistics and supplying operational weapons to the criminal network from Kogi State.
Ikenga stated that in the early hours of July 27, 2026, following credible intelligence and painstaking investigations, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, carried out a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of Dauda Mohamed, aged 38, a suspected member of the notorious kidnapping syndicate operating from Kogi State.
The police spokesperson said that during interrogation, Mohamed allegedly confessed to participating in several kidnapping operations across Anambra State.
According to Ikenga, the suspect identified Umar Ali, also known as “Barjini,” as the leader of the gang responsible for coordinating logistics and supplying operational weapons to the criminal network.
He also named two other members of the syndicate, identified simply as Usman and Gongola, who are currently at large.
Ikenga further disclosed that the investigation is directly linked to the kidnapping of a victim on June 26, 2026, at Divine Heritage Lodge, Ukwulu, in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“In that incident, armed hoodlums emerged from an uncompleted building behind the lodge, fired several gunshots, abducted the victim into a nearby bush, and later demanded a ransom of ₦30 million. Following negotiations, the sum of ₦15 million was paid before the victim regained his freedom after spending four days in captivity,” he said.
The police spokesperson revealed that preliminary investigations indicate that the gang allegedly relocated from armed bandit enclaves in Nigeria’s North-West and established criminal operations in parts of the South-East.
He added that investigations also showed the syndicate used an AK-47 rifle, allegedly supplied by the gang leader, to carry out kidnapping and armed robbery operations.
Ikenga said that acting swiftly on intelligence obtained during the interrogation of the first suspect, police operatives extended the operation to Ugwuoba Gariki in Enugu State, where they successfully arrested Umar Ali, also known as “Barjini.”
He reassured residents that the Command remains committed to tackling criminal activities across the state.
“Let me assure Ndi Anambra and indeed all residents of Anambra that the Command remains resolute in denying criminals any safe haven within the state. We shall continue to sustain proactive operations, strengthen intelligencePolice Arrest Alleged Kogi-Based Kidnap Kingpin Linked to Anambra Abductions gathering, and work collaboratively with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks wherever they may be.
“We also wish to reiterate the importance of public support. Security is a shared responsibility, and we urge residents to continue providing timely, credible, and actionable information that will assist the police in preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice.
“As investigations continue, further updates will be communicated to the public in due course,” Ikenga said.
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