The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has broken a major kidnapping ring after storming a criminal hideout in Ushafa, leading to the rescue of seven abducted residents during an exchange of gunfire. The operation marks one of the most decisive moves yet in Abuja’s fight against the rising threat of organised abductions.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the episode began on December 5 when armed men invaded a neighbourhood in Ushafa and seized several residents. The incident triggered a rapid mobilisation of security personnel who moved in before the criminals could relocate their captives.
A combined team from the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services launched a coordinated search on December 6. Their effort was guided by intelligence that steered them through the outskirts of Mpape and towards remote settlements that stretch into Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
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The gang opened fire as soon as they spotted the approaching security team. The operatives responded with controlled but overwhelming fire, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their position. One of the victims was found in the hideout after the exchange, while others were secured shortly afterwards as the area was swept.
The police say further operations are ongoing to track down the remaining members of the syndicate and dismantle the network behind the recent surge in kidnappings around the capital.
