Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have killed two bandits and rescued five kidnapped residents during a security operation in Abuja.
The operation also led to the arrest of two other suspects, while police recovered two AK-47 rifles and ammunition magazines from the criminals.
Police authorities in Abuja said several members of the gang escaped from the scene with gunshot injuries following a fierce exchange of fire with security operatives.
The raid was carried out in the Byazhin area of the FCT after kidnappers reportedly targeted residents of the Paze community, prompting an intensified manhunt by the police.
According to a police briefing on Wednesday, the rescue was achieved after sustained pressure was mounted on the kidnappers by a joint security team, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into nearby bushes.
The five rescued victims were recovered safely and taken for medical examination before being reunited with their families.
Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across vulnerable communities in the territory.
He said, “We remain committed to ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven. The rescued victims are in good condition, while efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining suspects.”
The commissioner further disclosed that the recovered weapons would assist ongoing investigations into the gang’s activities and possible links to other criminal networks.
Meanwhile, police operatives have expanded search operations across Byazhin and neighbouring communities in a bid to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to improve safety across the FCT.