By Augustine Ehikioya
Towards safety and security of residents of the Federal Capital Territory, some operatives of the FCT Police Command have successfully foiled a planned kidnapping and armed attack during a coordinated operation at Byazhin Forest, FCT.
A statement by SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said they also recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
It reads “The operation followed credible intelligence received from the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), Force Headquarters, indicating an imminent attack within the FCT.
“The intelligence revealed that a notorious bandit leader, identified as Idrisa, also known as “Mai Duna,” had concluded plans to launch simultaneous attacks on handpicked village settlements around Byazhin Forest Area of the FCT.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence report, on 10th October, 2025, at approximately 09:00 p.m., the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command deployed tactical teams, mounting a strategic ambush along the identified routes of the bandits.
“At approximately 01:00 a.m. on 11th October, 2025, the Police operatives sighted a large group of heavily armed bandits advancing toward the area in two groups.” it stated.
The team, the statement said, engaged the criminals in a fierce gun duel that lasted about twenty minutes.
Despite strong resistance, the operatives overpowered the assailants, forcing them to retreat into the nearby forest with gunshot wounds.
“Following the encounter, reinforcement was promptly deployed from nearby Police and Military formations, while additional Police units secured the general area and blocked potential escape routes.
“A thorough search of the scene led to the recovery of:
• One (1) AK-47 rifle with a defaced serial number,
• One (1) magazine, and
• Thirty (30) rounds of live 7.6mm ammunition.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT, commended the gallantry and professionalism of the security operatives.
He noted that their proactive action prevented a major breach of security.
He further directed all medical facilities within the FCT and adjoining states to be on alert and report any person found with gunshot wounds to the nearest police formation immediately.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to the Police to enable prompt response through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, CRU: 08107314192.
