By Kingsley Omonobi
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have rescued five kidnapped victims following a coordinated night operation in the Byazhin area of Abuja, during which two suspected kidnappers were neutralised and two others arrested.
The operation, which was personally led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, also involved operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Kubwa Area Command, as well as local hunters and vigilante groups.
Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the development on Wednesday, noting that the rescue followed intensified efforts triggered by recent kidnapping incidents in the Paze community within Byazhin.
According to her, the joint security team launched a clearance and rescue operation on June 9, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., combing suspected hideouts across Paze and surrounding communities.
She said the operation led to a gun duel between security operatives and the suspects, resulting in the neutralisation of two kidnappers, while two others—identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman—were arrested.
“Other gang members fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds,” Adeh stated.
She added that two AK-47 rifles with magazines were recovered during the operation.
Following sustained pressure from the security team, the kidnappers abandoned five hostages, who were rescued unharmed.
The victims have since been taken to a medical facility for attention and are expected to be reunited with their families after treatment.
The Command also called on medical personnel and members of the public to report individuals presenting with gunshot injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police commended the operatives and supporting local security volunteers for their bravery and professionalism during the operation, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against kidnapping and violent crime in the FCT.
Security operations, according to the Command, are ongoing in the area and adjoining communities to track down fleeing suspects and dismantle the wider criminal network.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station or through emergency lines: 08032003913 and 07057337653.
