Police storm kidnappers’ hideout in FCT, kill two bandits, recover AK-47 rifles – THISAGE

By Victor Osula, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes, killing two suspected bandits, arresting two others and rescuing five kidnapped residents during a coordinated operation in Bwari Area Council.

The operation, led by FCT Police Commissioner Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, targeted members of a notorious gang linked to the kidnapping of five residents of Paze community in Byazhin neighborhood last week.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday, CP Sanusi said the rescue mission was launched following intelligence gathered on the whereabouts of the kidnappers following the deadly attack on Paze community, where five people, including a pastor, were abducted and a local vigilante, Shuaibu Yerima, was shot dead.

According to the Police Commissioner, the operation was carried out by a joint team comprising officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Kubwa Area Command personnel, local hunters and vigilante groups.

He said the security team began an intensive search, clear and rescue operation across Paze and nearby Byazhin communities at around 9pm on Tuesday.

Sanusi said the operation led security agents to the kidnappers’ hideout, triggering a fierce firefight during which two members of the gang were neutralized.

The commissioner said two suspects, identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, were arrested, while several other gang members fled into the surrounding hills and forests.

“During the operation, the police team recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines, while two members of the gang were arrested in the crossfire,” he said.

The rescued victims were later evacuated from captivity and taken to a medical facility for treatment and evaluation.

Sanusi revealed that the victims were in a stable condition and would be reunited with their families after receiving necessary medical attention. He noted that efforts are underway to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network responsible for a series of attacks and kidnappings in some parts of the FCT.

The commissioner assured residents that security agencies would support offensive operations against criminal elements threatening peace and security in the territory.

He also appealed to healthcare workers, both in public and private hospitals, to immediately report anyone with gunshot wounds or seeking treatment in suspicious circumstances. According to him, such cooperation could help security agencies identify and arrest gang members who may have been injured during exchange of gunfire with police officers.

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