The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has averted a major planned attack on a community within the territory, killing three suspected bandits in a fierce forest gun battle on Sunday night.
The operation, spearheaded by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, followed actionable intelligence that a notorious gang was finalising plans to launch a violent assault on a community by December 1.
The breakthrough came after the recent kidnapping incidents in ACO Community, Gwagwalada, and Bwari prompted the FCT Commissioner of Police to order a crackdown on the syndicate behind the attacks.
Police operatives first moved on Saturday, November 30, arresting a key figure identified as Sani Mohammed Umar, alias “Boko”, a wanted kidnapper and armed robbery suspect, around 2:11 PM. A mobile phone, believed to be instrumental in coordinating the gang’s operations, was recovered from him.
Investigations and a confession from the arrested suspect revealed that his gang members were awaiting his arrival at a hideout in the Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, to commence their planned community raid.
Acting swiftly, the Anti-Kidnapping team, led by its Officer-in-Charge, tactically advanced into the forest later that night. At approximately 11:01 PM, upon reaching the bandits’ rendezvous point, the police laid an ambush.
The encounter turned explosive as the heavily armed bandits opened fire on sighting the security operatives. The police responded with force, engaging the criminals in a fierce 30-minute gun duel that resulted in the death of three bandits. Other gang members fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene include: Three (3) AK-47 rifles, Three (3) magazines loaded with thirty-three (33) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
A joint operation involving police operatives and soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s 176 Battalion Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Kwali is currently combing the forest to apprehend the fleeing suspects. All escape routes have been blocked.
Authorities have alerted medical facilities across the area to report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. The public is urged to report such persons or provide relevant information by calling 08032003913 or 08061581938.
The Commissioner of Police commended the gallantry of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and thanked the public for the vital intelligence that led to the operation.
He reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to their safety and urged continued vigilance and cooperation.
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