The FCT Police Command has foiled a planned large-scale attack on a community in the Federal Capital Territory, arresting a key kidnapper and recovering arms and ammunition, the command said on Monday.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the command said the breakthrough followed intelligence reports and a coordinated operation by the FCT Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, prompted by recent kidnappings in ACO Community, Gwagwalada, and Bwari.
“Intelligence revealed that the gang had concluded plans to launch another violent attack on a community on or before December 1, 2025, with the intention to abduct residents, demand ransom, and inflict further harm,” the statement said.
Acting on the tip-off, police operatives on November 30 arrested one of the gang’s key members, Sani Mohammed Umar, also known as Boko, and recovered his mobile phone suspected to be used in coordinating criminal operations.
Investigations confirmed that Umar’s gang was responsible for multiple kidnappings and armed robberies across Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Dupa, and that other gang members were waiting at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, to launch the planned attack.
At about 11:01 PM, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit advanced on the forest hideout and engaged the criminals in a 30-minute gun battle, neutralising three bandits while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Police recovered three AK-47 rifles and three magazines containing 33 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the scene, the statement added.
“A joint operation involving Police operatives and the Forward Operation Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Army, 176 Battalion, Kwali, is ongoing, with teams combing the forest and blocking all escape routes.
“Medical facilities across the area have been alerted to report any individual presenting with bullet wounds to the nearest security agency or contact the Command via 08032003913, 08061581938.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT, commends the gallantry and professionalism of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and appreciates the valuable intelligence provided by members of the public. He urges residents to remain vigilant and continue to supply timely information,” the statement concluded.