FCT Police, Army, DSS Rescue 20 Kidnap Victims, Neutralise Suspects in Joint Operation

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade and the Department of State Services, have rescued 20 kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation across forests in Kaduna and Niger states.

The operation, conducted between March 6 and 7, followed credible intelligence that kidnapping suspects fleeing ongoing security operations in Gauraka Forest in Niger State had crossed into Gidan Dogo and Kweri forests in Kaduna State with several abducted victims.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Josephine Adeh, a combined tactical team led by the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit advanced into the forest to track the suspects.

She said the criminals opened fire on the operatives as they approached the hideout, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted more than one hour and thirty minutes.

“The suspects were subdued through superior tactics and firepower. Some were neutralised during the exchange, while two suspects identified as Nura Sani and Abdul Bello were arrested,” the statement said.

Other members of the gang reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds into nearby forests and surrounding hills.

Police said the operation resulted in the successful rescue of 20 kidnapped victims comprising 10 males and 10 females, who were earlier abducted from the Byazhin District of the FCT as well as Gauraka and Tafa areas of Niger State.

The rescued victims were immediately taken to hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.

Security operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle with breech number 90-17147, one magazine loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and one locally made firearm from the suspects.

Reacting to the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Miller G. Dantawaye, commended the gallantry and professionalism of the officers involved in the mission.

He also urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

The police further appealed to journalists and social media users to avoid premature reporting of sensitive security operations, warning that unverified information could endanger victims and compromise ongoing rescue efforts.