Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt in Byazhin, Kubwa, within the Bwari Area Council of Abuja, rescuing two victims and recovering an AK-47 rifle.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday. She said the attack occurred at about 12:34 a.m. when armed bandits invaded the community in an attempt to abduct residents.
According to Adeh, police operatives attached to the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit were swiftly deployed to the area following credible intelligence about the planned attack.
“Upon arrival, the operatives discovered that the armed suspects were attempting to forcefully gain entry into a residence with the intention of abducting the occupants,” she said.
She added that the suspects opened fire on sighting the police team, prompting an immediate and decisive response from the operatives.
“A fierce gun battle ensued for over 30 minutes, during which the police operatives successfully repelled the attackers and foiled the kidnapping attempt.
“The suspects fled into the surrounding bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” Adeh stated.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and seven rounds of live ammunition.
The police spokesperson further revealed that the intended victims, identified as Mr. Samson and his wife, were rescued unharmed and evacuated to safety.
“They were subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Gwarinpa, where they received medical attention for trauma-related distress before being placed under protective custody,” she added.
The FCT Police Command assured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while efforts continue to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.