Gun battle in Abuja: Police kill two kidnappers, free five victims

By Monday Ijeh

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have rescued five kidnapped victims and neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a coordinated security operation in the Byazhin area of Abuja.

The successful operation followed a series of kidnapping incidents in the Paze community, prompting an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed on Wednesday that the operation was personally led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Sanusi, and involved a joint team comprising operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and personnel from the Kubwa Area Command.

According to Adeh, the operation was conducted in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups as part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the nation’s capital.

She said the joint security team launched a large-scale search, clearance and rescue mission across Paze and Byazhin communities on Tuesday, leading to a fierce gun battle with the suspected kidnappers.

“During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspects and the arrest of two others. Other members of the gang fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds,” she said.

The police spokesperson disclosed that two AK-47 rifles and magazines were recovered from the suspects during the operation.

Adeh explained that sustained pressure mounted by security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon five hostages, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.

The victims were immediately taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment, while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families.

She added that security operatives have intensified search operations across the area and adjoining communities to track down the fleeing gang members and dismantle their criminal network.

The police also appealed to healthcare workers, hospitals and members of the public to promptly report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or presenting suspicious injuries.

Commending the officers and local security volunteers involved in the operation, CP Sanusi praised their courage, professionalism and resilience in confronting criminal elements.

The police commissioner reiterated the Command’s determination to rid the Federal Capital Territory of kidnappers and other violent offenders.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies through the nearest police station or the Command’s emergency lines.

The operation is the latest in a series of security offensives aimed at curbing kidnapping and restoring public confidence in the safety of communities across the FCT.