From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt in Abuja following a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers in the Byazhin area of the nation’s capital.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, stating that operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted swiftly on intelligence reports that led to the operation.
According to Adeh, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, at approximately 12:34 a.m., after security operatives received credible intelligence indicating the presence of suspected kidnappers around the Redeemed Church area in Byazhin.
She explained that a coordinated response team, led by the Officer Commanding (OC), Anti-Kidnapping Unit, was immediately deployed to the scene.
“Upon arrival, the operatives discovered that the armed suspects were attempting to forcefully gain entry into a house with the intention of abducting the occupants”, Adeh said.
She further stated that the suspects opened fire upon sighting the police operatives, prompting an immediate and tactical response from security personnel.
“A fierce gun battle ensued for over 30 minutes, during which the police operatives successfully repelled the attackers and foiled the kidnapping attempt.”
The police spokesperson said the suspects eventually fled into nearby bushes with varying degrees of gunshot injuries sustained during the exchange.
Security personnel recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and seven rounds of live ammunition from the scene following the operation.
Adeh identified the intended victim simply as Mr Samson and said he, alongside his wife, was rescued unhurt and evacuated from the area to ensure their safety.
She added that the rescued victims were later taken to the General Hospital, Gwarinpa, where they received medical attention for trauma-related stress before being placed under protective custody.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, CP Ahmed Sanusi, commended the officers involved in the operation for what he described as exceptional bravery, professionalism and prompt response.
Sanusi reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory and directed the immediate strengthening of surveillance patrols within the area to prevent any resurgence of criminal activities.
He also urged residents to remain security-conscious and continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and security operations.
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