FCT Police Foil Planned Community Attack, Neutralise Three Bandits in Kwali

T The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has thwarted a planned large-scale attack by a notorious kidnapping gang, neutralising three members of the syndicate and recovering arms during a coordinated operation in Kwali Area Council.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the breakthrough followed renewed efforts to dismantle the criminal network behind recent kidnapping incidents in ACO Community, Gwagwalada, and Bwari.

Acting on credible intelligence that the gang intended to launch another violent attack on or before December 1, police operatives traced and arrested a key conspirator, Sani Mohammed Umar, also known as “Boko,” on November 30. The suspect, a wanted kidnapper and armed robbery operative, was found with a mobile phone believed to be the primary device used in coordinating the gang’s activities.

According to police investigations, Umar confessed that his accomplices were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills in Kwali, where they had gathered to begin their next operation.

At about 11:01 p.m. on Sunday, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by the Officer-in-Charge, advanced into the forest and set up an ambush at the identified location. The gang opened fire upon sighting the operatives, prompting a fierce 30-minute exchange during which three bandits were neutralised, while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds.

Recovered items include three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and 33 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition.

A joint operation involving police personnel and troops of the Nigerian Army’s 176 Battalion, Kwali, is ongoing, with the forest being combed and escape routes blocked. Medical facilities in the area have been advised to alert security agencies of anyone presenting with gunshot wounds.

The FCT Commissioner of Police commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its professionalism and also thanked residents for their timely intelligence. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities via 08032003913 or 08061581938.