The Federal Capital Territory Police Command says its operatives on Thursday thwarted an attempted kidnapping in Guto Village, a border community in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja.
Gunmen, estimated to be about 30 in number, reportedly stormed the community in the early hours and attempted to force their way into a residence before security operatives arrived.
In a statement, the FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said officers from the Bwari Division Surveillance Team and the IGP Special Intervention Squad were immediately deployed to the scene.
Adeh said the armed men opened fire upon sighting the police units, prompting a gun battle.
According to the statement, two of the attackers were killed during the exchange of gunfire, while the rest escaped into nearby bushes.
The statement partly read, “The FCT Police Command has successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt in Guto Village, a border community in Bwari Area Council, in the early hours of Wednesday, 20th November 2025.
“At about 1:10 a.m., the Command received a distress call reporting that heavily armed criminals, numbering about 30, had invaded the community with the intent to abduct a resident and members of his family.
“In a swift and coordinated response, operatives of Bwari Division’s Surveillance Team and the IGP Special Intervention Squad immediately mobilised to the scene.
“Upon sighting the responding police teams, the attackers, who had already attempted to forcefully enter the targeted residence, opened fire. The gallant officers engaged the assailants with precision and superior firepower, resulting in a fierce gun duel. Two of the criminals were neutralised, while the remaining fled into the surrounding bushes and mountainous terrain.”
Adeh added that one police officer sustained a gunshot injury during the exchange and was taken to Bwari General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
She said, “Tragically, one police officer sustained a fatal gunshot injury during the exchange and was rushed to Bwari General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical practitioner. The Command deeply regrets this loss.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, commends the exceptional gallantry, swift response, and professionalism displayed by the operatives during the operation.
“He extends heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the fallen officer, describing him as a courageous hero who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. The CP further assures that the Command will continue to intensify operations to rid the FCT of criminal elements.
“He also appreciates the vigilance of Guto residents and urges all FCT communities to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements or emergencies using the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08068587311.”
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