Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) have killed two suspected kidnappers. In contrast, two others were arrested during a gun battle with armed criminals in the Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This is as the operation also led to the rescue of five kidnapped victims, who regained their freedom after sustained pressure from the joint security team forced the fleeing suspects to abandon their captives during the clearance mission.
The Spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh on Wednesday disclosed that the operation followed a recent kidnapping incident in Paze community, located within the Byazhin axis of the territory.
According to her, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, personally led the mission alongside operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), personnel of the Kubwa Area Command, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
She said the joint security team commenced the operation on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., conducting intensive search, clearance and rescue operations across Paze and neighbouring Byazhin communities.
“During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds.
“ During the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines.”
The Command urged healthcare workers, private and public hospitals, and members of the public to report individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or presenting suspicious injury-related circumstances, noting that some fleeing suspects may have sustained injuries during the gun battle.
According to her, the security personnel have continued search operations across the affected communities and adjoining areas to track down fleeing suspects and dismantle the wider criminal network linked to the kidnappings.
Providing further details, Adeh disclosed that authorities moved the rescued victims to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation and treatment, while efforts continue to reunite them with their families.
Commending operatives, hunters and vigilante members who participated in the operation CP Sanusi described their actions as critical to the successful rescue mission and the disruption of criminal activities in the area.
He also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the FCT through sustained intelligence-led operations and community collaboration.
(The Whistler)