The FCT Police Command has foiled a deliberate large-scale assault on a neighborhood within the Federal Capital Territory, arresting a key kidnapper and recovering arms and ammunition, the command stated on Monday.
In an announcement by its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the command stated the breakthrough adopted intelligence experiences and a coordinated operation by the FCT Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, prompted by current kidnappings in ACO Neighborhood, Gwagwalada, and Bwari.
“Intelligence revealed that the gang had concluded plans to launch one other violent assault on a neighborhood on or earlier than December 1, 2025, with the intention to abduct residents, demand ransom, and inflict additional hurt,” the assertion stated.
Appearing on the tip-off, police operatives on November 30 arrested one of many gang’s key members, Sani Mohammed Umar, also called Boko, and recovered his cell phone suspected for use in coordinating prison operations.
Investigations confirmed that Umar’s gang was liable for a number of kidnappings and armed robberies throughout Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Dupa, and that different gang members have been ready at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, to launch the deliberate assault.
At about 11:01 PM, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit superior on the forest hideout and engaged the criminals in a 30-minute gun battle, neutralising three bandits whereas others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Police recovered three AK-47 rifles and three magazines containing 33 rounds of seven.62mm stay ammunition from the scene, the assertion added.
“A joint operation involving Police operatives and the Ahead Operation Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Military, 176 Battalion, Kwali, is ongoing, with groups combing the forest and blocking all escape routes.
“Medical amenities throughout the world have been alerted to report any particular person presenting with bullet wounds to the closest safety company or contact the Command through 08032003913, 08061581938.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT, commends the gallantry and professionalism of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and appreciates the precious intelligence offered by members of the general public. He urges residents to stay vigilant and proceed to produce well timed data,” the assertion concluded.