By our Reporter
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims following a coordinated security operation in the Byazhin area of Abuja, during which two suspected kidnappers were arrested and two others neutralised.
The operation was launched in response to recent kidnapping incidents reported within the Paze community in Byazhin. According to the FCT Police Command, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, personally led the clearance mission alongside operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Kubwa Area Command, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
The joint security operation commenced at about 9:00 p.m. on June 9, 2026, with extensive search and clearance activities carried out across the Paze and Byazhin communities.
During the operation, security operatives engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman. Other members of the criminal gang reportedly escaped into nearby hills with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
Police operatives also recovered two AK-47 rifles along with magazines during the operation.
The Command appealed to healthcare practitioners, both in public and private facilities, as well as members of the public, to promptly report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or presenting suspicious injury-related cases.
According to the police, sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.
The victims have since been taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment, while efforts are underway to reunite them with their families.
Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified search operations across the area and surrounding communities to apprehend fleeing gang members and dismantle the criminal network.
Commending the courage and professionalism of the operatives and local security volunteers involved in the mission, CP Sanusi reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and security conscious by reporting suspicious persons and activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913 and 07057337653.
The FCT Police Command reiterated its determination to sustain ongoing operations aimed at ensuring the safety and security of residents throughout the territory.
