Police rescue four kidnapped Mpape residents after gun battle

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued four residents abducted by suspected kidnappers in the Yellow House area of Mpape, Abuja, following a fierce gun battle with the criminals, while one resident died after being shot during the attack.

The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by Josephine Adeh, its spokesperson, saying the victims were rescued after a sustained operation that lasted nearly two days.

According to the police, the attack occurred at about 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, when suspected kidnappers stormed the Yellow House area of Mpape and abducted four residents.

Following a distress call, Ahmed Sanusi, Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, immediately deployed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, personnel from the Katampe and Mpape Police Divisions, as well as officers from the 24 Police Mobile Force Squadron to track down the attackers.

The police said preliminary investigations revealed that the gunmen shot two residents before fleeing with four others whom they forcefully marched through the Jikoko Hills towards the Ushafa Forest.

The injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

However, one of them, identified only as Babangida, later died from his injuries, while the second victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, is receiving treatment and responding positively.

The Command said security operatives maintained a relentless pursuit of the kidnappers from the night of the attack until the early hours of Friday, July 10.

At about 12:05 a.m., the police located the kidnappers around the Jikoko Hills as they attempted to move the hostages towards the Ushafa Forest.

“On sighting the advancing operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, engaging the Police team in a fierce exchange of gunfire,” the statement said.

The police said the operatives overpowered the suspects during the gun battle, forcing them to abandon the captives and flee deeper into the surrounding hills and forest to escape arrest.

All four kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed, safely evacuated from the forest and reunited with their families.

The Command added that security operatives have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, with efforts ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The Commissioner of Police assured residents that the Command remains committed to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.

He pledged that those behind the attack would be arrested and prosecuted.

Sanusi also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the FCT Police Command’s emergency lines as security agencies intensify efforts to rid the territory of criminal elements.