Two suspected bandits were killed and five abducted residents rescued during a major security operation led by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command in Bwari Area Council of Abuja.
The operation, spearheaded by FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, targeted a notorious gang linked to the abduction of five residents of Paze community in Byazhin Ward last week.
The victims, including a pastor, were kidnapped when heavily armed bandits stormed the community on Thursday night. During the attack, a local vigilante member, Shuaibu Yerima, was shot dead.
Briefing journalists on Wednesday, Sanusi said the rescue mission was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Kubwa Area Command, local hunters and vigilante groups.
According to him, the joint security team launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation at about 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday across Paze and neighbouring communities, tracking the kidnappers to their hideout.
The operation culminated in a fierce exchange of gunfire during which two members of the gang were neutralised, while two suspects identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman were arrested. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped into nearby hills.
“During the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines, while two of the gang members were arrested during the crossfire,” the commissioner said.
Sanusi disclosed that all five kidnapped victims were rescued alive and taken to a medical facility for treatment before being reunited with their families.
“The rescued victims have been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families,” he stated.
The police boss assured residents that security operatives had intensified manhunt operations across the area and adjoining communities to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network behind the abductions.
He also called on public and private healthcare providers to immediately alert security agencies whenever anyone presents with gunshot wounds or seeks treatment under suspicious circumstances.
The latest operation is being viewed as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts by security agencies to stem the tide of kidnapping and violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
