Officers from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit have thwarted a kidnapping attempt in the Byazhin area of Abuja, rescuing a husband and wife after a fierce gun battle lasting more than half an hour.
The operation unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, , when police received intelligence reports indicating that suspected kidnappers were active around the Redeemed Church area of Byazhin, near Paze Hills. The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by the Officer Commanding (OC), mobilised swiftly to the location.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that armed suspects were attempting to force their way into a house with the intention of abducting the occupants. When the police team was spotted, the attackers opened fire, prompting an immediate and decisive response.
What followed was a ferocious exchange of gunfire that lasted over thirty minutes. Despite the intensity of the assault, the police operatives successfully repelled the attackers and prevented the abduction.
The suspects fled into nearby bushes with various degrees of gunshot wounds. No police personnel were reported injured.
Exhibits allegedly recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and seven rounds of live ammunition.
The intended victims – identified as Mr Samson and his wife – were rescued unharmed and evacuated to safety. They were later taken to General Hospital, Gwarinpa, where they received medical attention for trauma-related distress before being placed under protective custody.
Confirming the incident in a statement released on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, anipr., mipra, said the operation was a testament to the Command’s proactive stance against crime.
She quoted the Commissioner of Police, Dr Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, fcai., as commending the bravery and professionalism of the operatives involved. “We remain unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory,” the Commissioner said.
SP Adeh also disclosed that the Commissioner had ordered enhanced surveillance patrols within the area to forestall any further criminal activities.
