Police operatives in the Federal Capital Territory have foiled a planned kidnapping and armed attack by suspected bandits in Byazhin Forest, a suburb of Abuja. During the operation, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle and rounds of ammunition.
In a statement released on Tuesday, FCT Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb rising cases of banditry and kidnapping around border communities, especially in Bwari, Kuje, and Gwagwalada.
According to Adeh, the raid followed credible intelligence from the Force Headquarters’ Technical Intelligence Unit, which revealed that a notorious bandit leader, identified as Idrisa, also known as “Mai Duna”, had finalized plans to attack several villages around the Byazhin forest area.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit deployed tactical teams around 9:00 p.m. on October 10 to mount an ambush along the suspected routes,” the statement read.
At about 1:00 a.m. the following morning, the police intercepted two groups of armed bandits heading towards the area, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted for about twenty minutes. The operatives eventually overpowered the attackers, who fled into the forest with gunshot wounds.
Reinforcements from nearby police and military units were quickly deployed, while officers secured the general area and blocked all possible escape routes. A search of the scene led to the recovery of:
One AK-47 rifle with a defaced serial number,
One magazine, and
Thirty rounds of live 7.6mm ammunition.
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The FCT Commissioner of Police commended the officers for their bravery and swift response, noting that their actions prevented what could have been a serious security breach.
He also directed hospitals and clinics across the FCT and neighboring states to report anyone found with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station immediately.
The FCT, which hosts Nigeria’s seat of power, has recently faced a rise in security threats. In response, the police have intensified joint operations with the military and local vigilantes to dismantle criminal hideouts in forests around Abuja and parts of Niger State.
Authorities say the successful Byazhin operation is expected to boost public confidence and reassure residents of the police’s commitment to keeping the FCT safe.
