Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have overrun a major kidnappers’ enclave stretching from Abuja’s outskirts into Kaduna State, rescuing seven abducted residents after hours-long armed confrontations with the criminal gang.
The operation, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, followed a distress call on December 5, 2025, after armed kidnappers invaded Ushafa community in Bwari Area Council and whisked away multiple residents.
A combined tactical unit, comprising the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Squad, soldiers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), launched a coordinated offensive on December 6, tracking the kidnappers through Mpape axis into Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Upon arrival at the first suspected camp, the gunmen opened fire, triggering what security sources described as a “fierce and chaotic firefight.”
The police returned fire “with superior force,” dislodging the gang and freeing one victim.
For over seven hours, security operatives advanced through thick bush paths and mountainous enclaves until they located a second camp deep inside Kweri Forest in Kaduna.
Again, the kidnappers engaged the advancing team but were forced to abandon their hostages as security pressure intensified. Six more victims were rescued.
The police confirmed that the seven victims have been taken to medical facilities and are in stable condition.
Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, praised the “operational bravery and stamina” of the joint team, announcing fresh deployments along the notorious Abuja–Kaduna criminal corridor in an attempt to prevent retaliatory raids or regrouping by the fleeing kidnappers.
Read also:
- Trader killed in fight over market space in Abuja
- Kaduna govt confirmed 32 locals killed by terrorists
- EFCC declares exRep Nzeribe wanted for alleged fraud
He also issued an advisory to hospitals and private clinics across the FCT and neighboring states to immediately report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries.
Authorities said a manhunt is ongoing, stressing that the fleeing suspects are believed to be armed, injured, and still within forest networks linking the capital to Kaduna.
The FCT has witnessed renewed kidnapping incursions in recent months, particularly across border communities like Bwari, Mpape, and Kubwa, despite heightened military and police presence.
The police provided emergency lines—08061581938 and 08032003913—for citizens to report suspicious movements and medical personnel to report injured suspects.
The command vowed that the operation will continue “until every syndicate behind the December 5 invasion is neutralised or arrested.”
