Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have foiled an attempted abduction of a couple in Byazhin community, Bwari Area Council of Abuja, following a midnight gun battle with suspected kidnappers. One AK-47 rifle and ammunition were recovered during the operation.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed the incident while briefing journalists at the command headquarters on Friday, describing it as a successful intelligence-led operation that prevented a violent abduction.
According to him, the operation took place at about 12:34 a.m. on Thursday after police received credible intelligence indicating that armed men were sighted around the Redeemed Church area of Byazhin, near Paze Hills, with plans to abduct residents.
Acting swiftly on the report, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by the Officer Commanding the unit, were deployed to the scene in a coordinated response.
CP Sanusi explained that upon arrival, the operatives discovered that the suspects were already attempting to forcefully break into a residence with the intention of abducting the occupants, identified as Mr. Samson and Mrs. Samson.
He said that on sighting the police team, the armed men immediately opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted for over 30 minutes.
According to him, the operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the suspects to abandon their mission and flee into nearby bushes with suspected gunshot injuries.
Following the operation, the couple was rescued unharmed and taken to safety. They were later moved to General Hospital, Gwarinpa, where they received treatment for shock and trauma before being placed under protective care.
Security operatives also recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and seven rounds of live ammunition from the scene, believed to have been left behind by the fleeing suspects.
The police commissioner commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved, noting that their swift response prevented what could have been another kidnapping incident in the area.
He added that additional patrols and surveillance have been deployed across Byazhin and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks and track down the fleeing suspects.
CP Sanusi also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in the fight against kidnapping and armed crime in the FCT.
