FCT Police neutralise two bandits, rescue five kidnapped victims

The Federal Capital Territory (Federal Capital Territory) Police Command has successfully neutralised two suspected bandits and rescued five kidnapped residents during a coordinated security operation in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja.

The operation followed the abduction of five residents, including a pastor, from the Paze community in Byazhin Ward last week, triggering an intensive search-and-rescue mission across the area.

FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed on Wednesday that he personally led the operation, which involved a combined team of security operatives and local volunteers.

He explained that the mission brought together personnel from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force, Kubwa Area Command, as well as local hunters and vigilante groups.

According to him, credible intelligence on the location of the abductors prompted a night operation on Tuesday across Paze and neighbouring Byazhin communities.

Sanusi said the coordinated sweep led to the rescue of all five kidnapped victims and the arrest of two suspected members of the criminal gang identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman.

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He added that the operation turned violent when security forces encountered armed resistance from other gang members hiding in surrounding hills, resulting in a gun battle.

During the exchange of fire, two suspected bandits were killed, while several others reportedly fled into nearby forested areas to evade capture.

The police commissioner confirmed that officers recovered two AK-47 rifles and magazines from the suspects during the operation.

He said: “The operation recorded significant success with the rescue of the kidnapped victims, the recovery of weapons and the neutralisation of armed criminals who resisted arrest.”

Sanusi further disclosed that the rescued victims have been taken to a medical facility for treatment, psychological support, and evaluation before being reunited with their families.

Security forces, according to the police chief, have intensified follow-up operations across the affected communities to track down remaining members of the gang and dismantle their network.

He also issued a public appeal to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare workers to report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries, noting that such information could be vital to ongoing investigations.

The latest operation comes amid growing concerns over recurring kidnappings and banditry in parts of the Federal Capital Territory and adjoining rural communities.

Authorities say the terrain around Bwari and neighbouring areas continues to be exploited by armed groups operating from forested hideouts.

Sanusi assured residents that the police command, in collaboration with other security agencies, would sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely, credible intelligence to strengthen ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and safety in the territory.