Police Shoot Bandits Dead In Abuja After Abduction Of Five Residents
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the killing of two suspected bandits during a rescue operation that led to the freedom of five abducted residents of Paze community in Bwari Area Council, Abuja.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed the development on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters, stating that he personally led the operation that targeted the criminal gang responsible for the recent abduction.
The victims, including a pastor, were kidnapped last Thursday when armed bandits stormed Paze community in Byazhin Ward. During the attack, a local vigilante member, Shuaibu Yerima, was reportedly shot dead while attempting to resist the assailants.
According to the police commissioner, the rescue mission was carried out by a joint security team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the Kubwa Area Command, local hunters and vigilante groups.
Sanusi said the operation commenced around 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday with an intensive search-and-rescue exercise across Paze and neighbouring Byazhin communities.
“The operation led to the rescue of the five kidnapped victims and the arrest of two suspects identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other members of the gang fled into nearby hills,” the commissioner said.
He added that the operation resulted in a fierce exchange of gunfire during which two suspected bandits were neutralised.
“During the operation, the police team recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines, while two members of the gang were arrested during the crossfire,” Sanusi stated.
The police chief revealed that all five rescued victims had been taken to a medical facility for treatment and evaluation following their ordeal.
“The rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families,” he said.
Sanusi assured residents that security forces have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network behind the attacks.
“Search operations continue across the general area and adjoining communities with the aim of apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network,” he added.
The commissioner also appealed to healthcare workers and members of the public to assist ongoing investigations by reporting anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds under suspicious circumstances.
He urged both public and private hospitals to promptly alert security agencies whenever individuals present gunshot-related injuries that may be linked to criminal activities.
The latest operation comes amid growing concerns over recurring cases of kidnapping and banditry in parts of the FCT and neighbouring communities, with security agencies intensifying efforts to curb the menace and restore public confidence.