Police Foil Kidnapping Attempt in Abuja, Recover AK-47 Rifle During Gun Battle
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have foiled an attempted kidnapping in the Byazhin area of Abuja, rescuing two intended victims and recovering an AK-47 rifle along with ammunition after a prolonged gun battle with suspected kidnappers.
The incident occurred in the early hours of June 5, 2026, when personnel of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted on intelligence indicating the presence of armed suspects around the Redeemed Church area near Paze Hills in Byazhin.
Acting on the information, a tactical team led by the Officer Commanding the Anti-Kidnapping Unit swiftly deployed to the location and discovered that the suspects were allegedly attempting to break into a residential building to abduct its occupants.
According to police authorities, the suspects opened fire upon sighting the operatives, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire that lasted for more than 30 minutes.
The police team successfully repelled the attackers, forcing them to abandon the operation and flee into nearby bushes with suspected gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine, and seven rounds of live ammunition.
The intended victims, identified as Mr. Samson and his wife, were rescued unharmed and immediately evacuated from the area. They were later taken to General Hospital, Gwarinpa, where they received medical attention for trauma-related shock before being placed under protective care.
Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, commended the operatives for their swift response, courage, and professionalism during the operation.
He also directed increased surveillance and security patrols within the area to prevent further criminal activities and reassure residents of their safety.
The FCT Police Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
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