Police rescue five kidnap victims, recover AK-47 rifles in Abuja operation

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued five kidnapped victims following a coordinated security operation in the Byazhin area of Abuja that led to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, the killing of two others, and the recovery of assault rifles.

The operation, which was led by Ahmed Sanusi, Commissioner of Police, was launched in response to recent kidnapping incidents reported in the Paze community of Byazhin.

According to the command, the rescue mission involved operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and the Kubwa Area Command.

According to the Police, the team also received support from local hunters and vigilante groups familiar with the terrain.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer, the operation commenced on the night of June 9, 2026, at about 9 p.m., with security personnel carrying out intensive search and clearance exercises across Paze and adjoining communities.

The police said the operation resulted in a fierce gun battle between security operatives and members of a suspected kidnapping gang.

“During the exchange of fire, two of the suspects were neutralised, while two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman were arrested.

“Other members of the criminal gang reportedly escaped into nearby hills, some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation”, the statement said.

The command disclosed that security operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles along with loaded magazines from the suspects.

The police appealed to healthcare workers, hospitals, and members of the public to assist security agencies by reporting anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds under suspicious circumstances.

“The Command therefore calls on healthcare practitioners, private and public hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting gunshot-related injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances,” the statement noted.

Police explained that the sustained pressure mounted on the criminal group forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives, leading to the successful rescue of all five victims without injuries.

The rescued individuals were subsequently taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment, while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families.

Meanwhile, the police said ongoing search operations have been intensified across the area and neighbouring communities to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the wider kidnapping network.

CP Sanusi praised the officers and local security volunteers for their courage, professionalism, and resilience in confronting armed criminals.

He reaffirmed the FCT Police Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes within the nation’s capital and surrounding communities.

The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement agencies with timely and credible information that could aid ongoing security operations.

The command encouraged members of the public to report suspicious movements, persons, or activities through the nearest police station or the FCT Police emergency lines as efforts continue to strengthen security across the territory.