The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued five kidnapped victims during a joint operation in the Byazhin area of Abuja, arresting two suspected kidnappers and killing two others in a gun battle.
The operation was personally led by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, alongside local hunters and vigilante groups.
According to the command, the operation followed recent kidnapping incidents in the Paze community of Byazhin.
Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said in a statement on Wednesday, that the rescue mission commenced at about 9 p.m. on June 9, with security operatives conducting an intensive search and clearance operation across Paze and neighbouring communities.
She said the team encountered suspected kidnappers during the operation, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The statement said two of the suspects were neutralised, while two others, identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, were arrested.
According to the police, several members of the gang escaped into nearby hills with gunshot wounds.
The operatives also recovered two AK-47 rifles and magazines from the suspects.
“The sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were promptly rescued unharmed,” the statement said.
The rescued victims were taken to a hospital for medical evaluation and are expected to be reunited with their families.
Read also:
- Police commissioner decorates 457 newly promoted corporals in Delta
- Communal violence leaves 2 farmers dead in Cross River, Police confirm clashes
- Northwest Governors Forum moves to implement policy on tackling poverty
The command said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the kidnappings.
It also appealed to healthcare workers, hospitals and members of the public to report any person seeking treatment for gunshot injuries under suspicious circumstances.
Commending the police officers and local security volunteers involved in the operation, Sanusi reiterated the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the FCT.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
