Police Foil Kidnap Attempt On Couple, Recover AK-47 Rifle, Ammunition In Abuja

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have foiled a kidnapping attempt in the Byazhin area of Abuja, rescuing a couple unharmed after a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Friday, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and seven rounds of live ammunition abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, operatives attached to the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted on credible intelligence regarding the presence of suspected kidnappers around the Redeemed Church area of Byazhin, near Paze Hills.

SP Adeh said the police team, led by the Officer Commanding the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, swiftly mobilised to the location at about 12:34 a.m.

“Upon arrival, the operatives discovered that the armed suspects were attempting to forcefully gain entry into a house with the intention of abducting the occupants. Upon sighting the police team, the suspects opened fire, prompting a decisive response from the police team,” she said.

The police spokesperson disclosed that a gun battle lasting more than 30 minutes ensued between the operatives and the suspected kidnappers.

“The police operatives successfully repelled the attackers and foiled the kidnapping attempt. The suspects fled into the surrounding bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” Adeh stated.

Items recovered at the scene included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and seven rounds of live ammunition.

The intended victims, identified simply as Mr. Samson and his wife, were rescued unharmed and evacuated from the area.

According to the police, the couple was taken to the General Hospital, Gwarinpa, where they received medical attention for trauma-related distress before being placed under protective custody.

Reacting to the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, commended the courage and professionalism displayed by the operatives.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory and directed increased surveillance and patrols within the area to prevent further criminal activities.

The police commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat crime in the nation’s capital.

“Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to aid security agencies in anti-crime operations. FCT Police Command emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653,” he added

The incident comes amid intensified security operations by the FCT Police Command aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across Abuja and its environs.