Police operatives in Abuja have foiled a kidnap attempt by armed bandits in Byazhin Forest, a suburb near Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), forcing the suspects to flee with gunshot injuries after a fierce gun battle.
The bandits, wielding AK-47 rifles, had attempted to block a popular route in the area to abduct unsuspecting commuters.
Acting on a tip-off from the Force Headquarters Technical Intelligence Unit, police teams from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit staged an ambush at suspected entry routes used by the gang.
During the ensuing gun battle, the suspects were forced to retreat into the dense forest, abandoning an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 30 rounds of live ammunition.
The Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed on Tuesday, that the operation was the result of sustained surveillance and intelligence sharing among tactical units, which enabled officers to anticipate and intercept the suspects before they could execute their plan.
Adeh confirmed that the criminals are believed to be part of a network led by a notorious bandit identified as Idrisa “Mai Duna.”
“Our tactical teams responded swiftly and decisively. Their professionalism and courage prevented what could have been a devastating attack on rural communities,” she added.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, praised the operatives for their bravery, emphasising that the Command remains committed to ensuring the capital remains safe for all.
“This operation sends a clear warning to criminal elements: Abuja is not a safe haven for crime. We will continue to pursue and dismantle every network threatening the peace of our residents,” Adewale declared.
Following the confrontation, reinforcements from nearby police and military formations were deployed to secure the area and block escape routes, while medical facilities across the FCT were instructed to report anyone presenting with gunshot wounds.
Furthermore, police authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements, as joint patrols with military and local vigilante groups continue to comb forested areas linking Abuja to Niger and Kaduna States.
