Tension In Capital As Police Gun Down Two Bandits During Security Operation

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced that two suspected members of a notorious bandit gang were killed during a rescue operation in Bwari Area Council.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking to journalists at the command headquarters on Wednesday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, said the operation led to the successful rescue of five residents who were abducted from the Paze community in Byazhin Ward, Bwari Area Council, last week.

The victims were kidnapped after armed bandits invaded the community on Thursday. During the attack, a local vigilante member, Shuaibu Yerima, was reportedly killed, while five residents, including a pastor, were taken away by the assailants.

Sanusi disclosed that the rescue mission was carried out through a joint operation involving personnel from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team, the Kubwa Area Command, local hunters, and vigilante groups.

According to him, security operatives tracked the kidnappers to locations around Paze and Byazhin communities, launching the operation at about 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

He explained that the combined team conducted an extensive search-and-rescue exercise across the area, which resulted in a gun battle with the kidnappers. Two members of the gang were killed during the exchange, while several others escaped into nearby hills.

The police commissioner added that two suspects, identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, were arrested during the operation. Security operatives also recovered two AK-47 rifles and magazines from the gang.

Sanusi said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects, with search operations extended to surrounding communities and nearby hills. He assured residents that the police would continue pursuing the criminals until the network responsible for kidnappings and attacks in the area is dismantled.

The rescued victims have since been taken to a hospital for medical treatment and evaluation. The police said arrangements are underway to reunite them with their families after necessary medical checks and debriefing procedures.

The commissioner reassured residents of Paze, Byazhin, and neighbouring communities that security operations would remain active until all those involved are apprehended.

He also appealed to hospitals, healthcare workers, and members of the public to support ongoing investigations by providing useful information, particularly regarding individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries.

Sanusi urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.