The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued five kidnapped victims following an intensive joint rescue operation conducted in the Byazhin area of the territory.
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said in a statement that following recent kidnapping incidents in the Paze community of Byazhin, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, personally led a clearance operation involving operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and the Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
She said that on June 9, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities.
During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman. Other gang members reportedly fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
According to Adeh, the police recovered two AK-47 rifles and magazines during the operation.
FCT police foil robbery attempt, arrest suspect
The Command called 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.
She added that the sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were rescued unharmed.
“The rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Meanwhile, search operations continue across the area and adjoining communities aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network,” she said.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the operatives and supporting local security volunteers during the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the FCT.
Members of the public were also urged to remain security-conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.
