Operatives of the Abuja command have dismantled a kidnapping syndicate in Ushafa and rescued seven victims after a gun battle with suspects.
In a statement on Sunday, Josephine Adeh, FCT police spokesperson, said the operation followed a distress report received on December 5, 2025, that armed men had abducted residents of a community in Ushafa.
She said a joint team of the FCT anti-kidnapping unit, the army and the Department of State Services mobilised to the area on December 6 and began a coordinated search operation.
Adeh said the suspects were traced from the outskirts of Mpape community towards Kagarko local government area of Kaduna state after actionable intelligence.
She said the kidnappers opened fire on sighting the operatives, leading to a gun duel, during which one victim was rescued.
Adeh said the operatives pursued the suspects for more than seven hours through mountainous terrain and later located their camp in Kweri forest, Kaduna state.
She said another exchange of gunfire forced the kidnappers to flee, enabling the rescue of six additional victims.
“All rescued victims were immediately taken to the hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention and are in stable condition,” she said.
Miller Dantawaye, Commissioner of Police in the FCT, commended the operatives and ordered additional deployment along identified corridors to deter further kidnappings.