Abba Kyari is not anybody’s mate. No, we aren’t talking of the Nigerian Army Abba Kyari, or the businessman Abba Kyari.
We are talking about the bad ass super cop, Abba Kyari.
A born and bred Maiduguri man, Kyari bagged a degree in Geography from the University of Maiduguri, Borno state. He joined the force as an assistant superintendent in 2000.
But that is not what makes this cop so badass. Abba Kyari is badass because he can sniff out any rat hiding anywhere. The real action began when he was made officer in charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Lagos, January 2011.
Here are 5 times he proved himself.
1. The kidnapping of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s mum.
Remember when the mother of former Minister of Finance, Professor Kamene Okonjo was kidnapped from her palace in Delta State sometime in December 2012? She was freed after a few days in captivity and a 13-million naira ransom was paid. Everyone believed the kidnappers had gotten away, but a team of Policemen went after these guys all the way from Lagos. Guess who led this guys? Abba Kyari.
2. The end of the road for Godogodo.
Godogodo was to robbery what Wizkid is to afro pop, he owned it like a birthright and performed it as easily as breathing. He’d kill policemen for sport and citizens lived in fear of him. He robbed everywhere in Southwest Nigeria, most especially Lagos. He’d drive off from a crime scene and turn around just to go check that everyone is dead.
Guess who tracked down Abiodun Egunjobi aka Godogodo to Ibadan? Abbaaaaa! A bunch of bad guys comprising Abba Kyari and his team took down other crime lords like Benjamin Osinachi a.k.a China who was based in Ghana with his gang but operated in Lagos. He has also busted gangs in Onitsha, Kwara and Delta. The list is long.
3. The ‘OLX maid’ kidnapping.
Can we forget the nanny who kidnapped the Orekoya kids and how she was eventually tracked down, along with her accomplices? Yep. You guessed right. Its Abba again.
4. The Ikorodu and Lekki robberies.
2015 was the year of jaw-dropping, daredevil bank robberies in Lagos. The Lekki and Ikorodu robberies were carried out by the same gang and we have the same man to thank for bringing them to book..
5. The recently rescued girls in Lagos?
Yep. Abba Kyari.
And if you think he’s not being recognised, well, you’re wrong.
He got the IGP Commendation Award for Courage 2012, 2013, 2014. Governors Award for Gallantry, Leadership and Service excellence 2011, 2012, 2013, Best Anti- Crime Police Officer in West Africa from Security Watch Africa, Star Award from CRAN 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Every award he got was back to back, except The Commissioner of Police Commendation Award for Courage 2011.
I know what you’re thinking. Send him back to Borno to sniff out Shekau.
Uhm. Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, he’s a super cop, and the next time you see him, say hello to the cop of the decade.
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