Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested a suspected kidnapping kingpin, identified as Anas Usman, aged 25, in connection with the abduction and m8rder of a Fulani leader, Alhaji Lawal Abubakar Wakili of Kekong in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspect was arrested at about 6:00 p.m. on May 8, 2026 during a coordinated operation carried out by troops of Sector 7 (Sub-Sector 71) Sanga in collaboration with 4 Special Forces, Akwanga.
The arrest followed credible intelligence linking the suspect to the kidnapping incident involving the victim at Gashish area of Barkin Ladi LGA.
The suspect was subsequently taken into custody and is currently undergoing interrogation as part of ongoing investigations to uncover other members of the criminal network.
Security authorities said efforts were ongoing to track and dismantle other cells linked to kidnapping activities within the general area.
The arrest forms part of intensified operations by troops of Operation Enduring Peace aimed at curbing kidnapping, armed violence and other criminal activities across Plateau and adjoining states.
