The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has foiled a planned large-scale attack on a community, neutralizing three notorious bandits and recovering weapons during a coordinated operation by its anti-kidnapping unit.
The breakthrough followed a string of kidnapping incidents in the Aco community and other parts of Gwagwalada and Bwari Area Councils, prompting the FCT commissioner of police to order an intensified hunt for the syndicate behind the crimes.
The police said credible intelligence revealed that the gang had concluded arrangements to strike again on or before December 1, 2025, aiming to abduct residents and unleash further terror.
Acting on the intel, operatives on November 30 at about 2:11 p.m. arrested one of the key conspirators, a wanted kidnapper and armed robbery suspect, Sani Mohammed Umar, also known as Boko.
His mobile phone, believed to be the major tool for coordinating the gang’s operations, was recovered.
Investigations confirmed that Umar belonged to the group responsible for previous attacks in Aco, Dupa, and Gwagwalada, as well as multiple armed robberies in Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.
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Later that night, at about 11:01 pm, the anti-kidnapping team led by the unit commander advanced into the forest and laid an ambush at the gang’s meeting point.
On sighting the operatives, the bandits opened fire, triggering a fierce 30-minute gun duel.
Three members of the gang were neutralized in the exchange, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
Recovered from the scene were three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and 33 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
A joint operation involving police operatives and soldiers is currently underway, with teams combing the forest and sealing off escape routes.
Hospitals and clinics across the area have been alerted to report anyone presenting with gunshot injuries, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement issued on Monday.
She asserted that the FCT commissioner of police commended the gallantry of the officers of the anti-kidnapping unit and praised residents for providing timely intelligence.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity via 08032003913 or 08061581938.
