A major security operation in the Federal Capital Territory has resulted in the rescue of five kidnapped residents and the killing of two suspected bandits linked to a gang accused of terrorising communities in Abuja.
The breakthrough was announced on Wednesday by the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, who revealed that he personally led the operation carried out in Bwari Area Council.
The operation followed the abduction of five residents from Paze community in Byazhin Ward last week. Among those kidnapped was a pastor, while a local vigilante member, identified as Shuaibu Yerima, was shot dead when armed attackers invaded the community.
Speaking to journalists at the FCT Police Command headquarters, Sanusi said the rescue mission involved operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the Kubwa Area Command, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
According to the police commissioner, the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and neighbouring Byazhin communities at about 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday after tracking the suspected kidnappers.
The operation led to a gun battle with the criminal gang, during which two suspected bandits were neutralised. Security operatives also arrested two suspects identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other members of the gang reportedly escaped into nearby hills.
“And during the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines, while two of the gang members were arrested during the crossfire,” Sanusi said.
Police recovered the weapons during the raid, dealing a significant blow to the gang’s operations in the area. Authorities believe the suspects are part of a network responsible for a series of criminal activities around the capital territory.
The five rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. The police commissioner said efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families.
Sanusi also assured residents that security agencies remain committed to dismantling criminal networks operating within the FCT and called on members of the public to continue providing useful information that could assist ongoing security operations.
The latest success comes as security forces intensify efforts to combat kidnapping and banditry in and around Abuja, where several communities have faced increasing threats from armed criminal groups in recent months.
