The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims and neutralised two suspected bandits during a coordinated security operation in Bwari Area Council of Abuja.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed the development on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Abuja.
According to Sanusi, the victims were among residents abducted during a recent attack on Paze Community in the Byazhin Ward of Bwari Area Council. The incident, which occurred last week, resulted in the death of a local vigilante member, Shuaibu Yerima, while several residents, including a pastor, were taken away by the attackers.
The police commissioner revealed that the rescue mission was carried out through a joint operation involving personnel from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Kubwa Area Command, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
He explained that security operatives launched the operation at about 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday after tracking the kidnappers to locations around the Paze and Byazhin communities.
The operation involved intensive search and clearance exercises across the affected areas, eventually leading to a gun battle between security forces and the criminal gang.
During the exchange of fire, two suspected bandits were killed, while others fled into nearby hills and surrounding terrain.
Security operatives also recovered two AK-47 rifles and magazines from the suspects. Additionally, two members of the gang were arrested during the operation and are currently in police custody.
The arrested suspects were identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman.
Sanusi noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the criminal network, adding that search operations have been extended to neighbouring communities and surrounding hills.
He reiterated the Command’s determination to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and other criminal groups threatening the safety of residents in the FCT.
The rescued victims have been taken to a medical facility for treatment and evaluation. The police said arrangements are underway to reunite them with their families after necessary medical checks and debriefing procedures.
The Commissioner assured residents of Paze, Byazhin, and other communities in Bwari Area Council that security operations would continue until all those involved in the kidnapping incident are brought to justice.
He also appealed to hospitals, healthcare workers, and members of the public to support security efforts by providing useful information, particularly regarding individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries.
Sanusi urged residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and movements within their communities.
AIV NEWS reports that the successful operation comes amid intensified efforts by security agencies to tackle kidnapping and banditry across the Federal Capital Territory and its surrounding communities.
