The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has foiled a midnight kidnapping attempt in Abuja’s Byazhin area, rescuing victims unharmed and recovering an AK-47 rifle after a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers.
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command in the early hours of Thursday, June 5, following intelligence reports of suspicious activities around the Redeemed Church axis near Paze Hills in Byazhin, foiled the kidnapping.
According to a statement by the Command, the tactical team upon receiving information that armed men were attempting to force their way into a residential building with the intention of abducting its occupants swiftly moved to scene.
On arrival, the operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted for more than 30 minutes.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit responded promptly to the scene where armed suspects were attempting to breach a residential building and abduct its occupants. The team engaged the criminals in a gun duel and successfully foiled the attack,” the statement said.
The Command disclosed that the superior firepower and tactical response of the operatives forced the attackers to abandon their mission and flee into nearby bushes, with some of them believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter.
“As a result of the sustained pressure mounted by the operatives, the suspects were forced to retreat into the surrounding bushes, abandoning their operation. Preliminary assessment indicates that some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot wounds,” the statement added.
Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and seven rounds of live ammunition believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
The intended victims were successfully rescued without physical injuries and were immediately taken to the General Hospital, Gwarinpa, where they received medical attention for shock and trauma before being placed under protective observation.
“The victims were rescued unharmed and provided immediate medical and psychological support. Their safety remains a priority as investigations continue,” the statement noted.
Commending the operatives for their courage and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Sanusi, described the successful operation as a demonstration of the Command’s readiness to respond swiftly to security threats across the territory.
“The bravery, professionalism and prompt response displayed by the operatives reflect the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property. We will continue to sustain pressure on criminal elements and deny them any operating space within the FCT,” the Commissioner said.
CP Sanusi further directed intensified patrols and surveillance operations in the area while urging residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.
“We urge members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities promptly. Timely and actionable intelligence remains critical to our collective efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety,” he added.
The Command assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and bring all those involved in the attempted abduction to justice.
Police sources said investigations have commenced, while tactical teams have intensified search operations in surrounding communities and forested areas believed to be possible escape routes for the suspects.
