From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crime, killing two suspected bandits, arresting two others, and rescuing five abducted residents during a coordinated operation in the Bwari Area Council.
The operation, led by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, targeted members of a notorious gang linked to the abduction of five residents of Paze community in Byazhin Ward last week.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, CP Sanusi said the rescue mission was launched following intelligence gathered on the whereabouts of the kidnappers after the deadly attack on Paze community, where five persons, including a pastor, were abducted and a local vigilante member, Shuaibu Yerima, was shot dead.
According to the police commissioner, the operation was carried out by a joint team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), personnel from the Kubwa Area Command, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
He said the security team commenced an intensive search, clearance and rescue operation across Paze and neighbouring Byazhin communities at about 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Sanusi explained that the operation led security operatives to the hideout of the kidnappers, triggering a fierce gun battle during which two members of the gang were neutralised.
The commissioner said two suspects, identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, were arrested, while several other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding hills and forests.
“During the operation, the police team recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines, while two of the gang members were arrested during the crossfire”, he stated.
The rescued victims were subsequently evacuated from captivity and taken to a medical facility for treatment and evaluation.
Sanusi disclosed that the victims were in stable condition and would be reunited with their families after receiving the necessary medical attention. He noted that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network responsible for a series of attacks and kidnappings in parts of the FCT.
The commissioner assured residents that security agencies would sustain offensive operations against criminal elements threatening peace and security in the territory.
He also appealed to healthcare practitioners, both in public and private hospitals, to immediately report anyone presenting gunshot wounds or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances. According to him, such cooperation could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending gang members who may have sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire with police operatives.
