By Augustine Ehikioya
Some operatives of the FCT Police Command attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit have neutralised the gang leader of armed attack at Zone E Extension, Apo Resettlement, on 23rd June, 2025.
The personnel, on 9th September, 2025 while acting on credible intelligence, launched a follow-up operation targeting a gang of suspected armed robbers and kidnappers responsible for the incident.
A statement by SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said that intelligence also revealed that the gang had crossed from the Nasarawa forests into the FCT through Karshi forests, with plans to launch another deadly attack.
“Acting swiftly, the Command’s operatives traced them to a hideout at Kurape Hills, where they were planning a fresh operation.
“On sighting the Police, the suspects opened fire, but the gallant officers engaged them in a fierce gun duel. The gang leader, identified as Umar Manu aka “Small,” was neutralised, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
“Recovered from the scene were one AK-49 rifle with breech number A529, one AK-47 rifle with scratched out breech number, one AK-49 rifle with scratched out breech number, three (3) magazines, and eleven (11) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
“During the exchange, the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and one other team member sustained minor injuries.
‘Both officers have since been treated and discharged from the hospital.”
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, has also commended the gallantry and professionalism of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, vowing to rid the FCT and its borders of all forms of violent crime.
In a stern warning, the CP declared that criminals who dare to test the resolve of the police will meet the same fate as the neutralized gang leader.
He further urged the public, particularly healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics, to promptly report anyone seeking medical attention with bullet wounds or suspicious injuries to the Police through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913 or 08028940883.
