The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced major breakthroughs in its anti-kidnapping operations, with the rescue of a victim in Guzape and the killing of three suspected kidnappers in coordinated raids across Abuja.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ajao Adewale, said the operations—conducted between September 15 and 18—were marked by intense gun duels that lasted up to 30 minutes.
According to Adewale, the first confrontation took place on September 15 when gunmen attempted to abduct two young women in Guzape. Police operatives, supported by vigilantes, engaged the kidnappers in heavy crossfire. One vigilante later died from injuries sustained, but the kidnap victim was rescued unharmed.
The CP further disclosed that the same gang struck again on September 17 in Karu, where they abducted Nafiu Idris, a staff of the FCTA’s Department of Urban Affairs. A joint clearance operation by the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, DSS operatives, hunters, and vigilantes led to the gang’s hideout in Zinda Forest, Kurudu, bordering Nasarawa State.
“At about 7:00 a.m. on September 18, our operatives overpowered the criminals in another fierce gun battle, neutralising three of their leaders, including a notorious kingpin linked to multiple kidnappings across Abuja and Nasarawa,” Adewale said.
Recovered items from the hideout included two AK-49 rifles, magazines with live ammunition, Itel mobile phones, ATM cards, charms, animal horns, and N10,000 cash.
Adewale added that proactive patrols and surveillance operations were still underway in border communities and identified hotspots to prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, the police boss revealed progress in the fight against drug abuse in the FCT. He said 11 suspected dealers were arrested during raids, with 68 bags of substances believed to be cannabis and other narcotics recovered.
“These arrests are vital in disrupting criminal networks and cutting down drug-driven crimes in the capital city,” Adewale stressed.
NAN
