Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have successfully prevented a major attack planned by a notorious kidnap syndicate, neutralising three of its members in a tactical operation.
Intelligence Leads to Swift Arrest
The breakthrough came following a series of kidnapping incidents in the ACO community, Gwagwalada, and Bwari areas. The FCT Commissioner of Police, in response, directed the Command's Anti-Kidnapping Unit to dismantle the criminal network responsible.
Acting on credible intelligence which revealed the gang's plan to launch a violent assault on a community on or before December 1, 2025, police moved swiftly. On November 30, 2025, at about 2:11 PM, they arrested a key conspirator identified as Sani Mohammed Umar, alias Boko.
Umar, a wanted kidnapper and armed robbery suspect, was found with a mobile phone suspected to be central to coordinating the gang's operations. Investigations confirmed his involvement in previous attacks in ACO, Dupa, and Gwagwalada, as well as armed robberies across Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.
Decisive Ambush in Gada Biyu Hills
During interrogation, the suspect revealed that his gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills in Kwali, where they had gathered to commence their planned community attack.
Led by the Officer-in-Charge of Anti-Kidnapping, a team tactically advanced into the forest and laid an ambush at the gang's meeting point. At about 11:01 PM, on sighting the police, the heavily armed bandits opened fire.
The police responded decisively, engaging the criminals in a fierce gun battle that lasted for about 30 minutes. At the end of the encounter, three bandits were neutralised, while other members of the syndicate escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
Recoveries and Ongoing Manhunt
The police recovered significant items from the scene, which included:
- Three (3) AK-47 rifles
- Three magazines loaded with thirty-three (33) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition
According to the command's spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, a joint operation involving police operatives and the Forward Operation Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Army's 176 Battalion in Kwali is actively ongoing. Teams are combing the forest and blocking all possible escape routes to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Furthermore, all medical facilities in the area have been alerted to report any individual presenting with bullet wounds to the nearest security agency. The public can also contact the Command via 08032003913 or 08061581938 with relevant information.
