Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has rescued five kidnap victims during a coordinated clearance operation in the Byazhin area of Abuja, following an armed confrontation with suspected kidnappers.
In a statement released by the FCT Police Command on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the operation was led personally by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, alongside operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Intelligence Response Team, Kubwa Area Command, as well as local hunters and vigilante groups.
Adeh said the operation was launched at about 9:00 p.m. on June 9, 2026, after recent kidnapping incidents in the Paze community prompted intensified security action across Byazhin and surrounding areas.
According to her, security operatives engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, killing two of them and arresting two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members escaped with gunshot injuries into nearby hills.
The police spokesperson said two AK-47 rifles with magazines were recovered at the scene, noting that some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot wounds.
The police also urged hospitals and health facilities to immediately report any individual presenting with gunshot injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
She said the sustained pressure from the operation forced the kidnappers to abandon their five hostages, who were rescued unharmed by the security team.
The police said the victims have since been taken to a medical facility for treatment and are expected to be reunited with their families after care.
Adeh stated further that operations are still ongoing across Byazhin and adjoining communities to apprehend the remaining suspects and dismantle the criminal network behind the attacks.
She commended the Commissioner of Police has having commended the operatives and supporting local security groups for their coordination and bravery during the operation, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and violent crime across the FCT.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies using the emergency numbers 08032003913 and 07057337653.
