In a significant security breakthrough, personnel from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes, have successfully neutralized a suspected kidnapper and rescued twenty abducted victims during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation in the Bwari Area Council of the FCT.
Intelligence-Led Operation in Gidan Dogo
The operation was conducted around the Gidan Dogo area, following actionable intelligence reports that pinpointed the location of suspected terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Bwari. A statement from SP Joseph Adeh, spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, detailed that the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led the combined tactical team into the forest in pursuit of the criminals.
Intense Gun Duel and Arrests
Upon approaching the suspects' hideout, the operatives were met with gunfire, resulting in an intense gun duel that lasted over one hour and thirty minutes. Through superior tactics and firepower, the security forces successfully subdued the kidnappers. One suspect was neutralized during the exchange, while two others, identified as Nura Sani and Abdul Bello, were apprehended. Other members of the gang managed to escape with gunshot wounds into the surrounding forest and hills.
Successful Rescue and Recoveries
The operation led to the successful rescue of twenty kidnapped victims, comprising ten males and ten females. These individuals were earlier abducted from the Byazhin District of the FCT, as well as Gauraka and Tafa areas of Niger State. Security forces recovered one AK-47 rifle with breech number 90-17147, one magazine loaded with twenty rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and one locally made firearm from the suspects. The rescued victims were promptly rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
Names of Rescued Victims
The rescued victims have been identified as:
- Olowa Tosin
- Blessing Titi
- Success Anthony
- Victor Anthony
- Angel Anthony
- Flourish Anthony
- Oniwola Ganiyu
- Mercy Jafia
- Bashir Umar (35 years)
- Hannatu Yohanna
- James Raphael
- Danjuma Joy
- Pastor Bulus Ganiyu
- Abdulmumini Adamu
- Abubakar Garba
- Ruth Precious
- Idris Ayuba
- Damina Precious
- Tanko Jeji
- Isah Bello
Appeal for Responsible Reporting
SP Joseph Adeh appealed to members of the press and social media users to exercise patience when reporting sensitive security incidents such as kidnappings or ongoing rescue operations. He emphasized that premature or unverified dissemination of such information can endanger the lives of victims and compromise the safety of officers actively involved in rescue missions.
Commendation and Public Vigilance
While commending the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the operatives involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, urged residents of the FCT to remain calm, vigilant, and security conscious. He also encouraged them to promptly report suspicious persons or movements to the Command through the emergency numbers 08032003913 and 08061581938.
