Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have foiled a kidnapping attempt in the Byazhin area of Bwari, Abuja, rescuing a couple unharmed after a fierce gun battle with armed suspects. As reported by Channels Television, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Friday following a swift response to intelligence about the attack.
Acting on timely intelligence reports, a coordinated team led by the officer commanding mobilised to the area at about 12:34 in the morning. On arrival, the police intercepted the armed suspects, who were aggressively attempting to breach a residential building in order to seize and abduct its occupants from inside the home.
The encounter quickly escalated into a gun duel that lasted about thirty minutes after the suspects opened fire on the arriving police team. Despite the attackers demonstrating considerable tactical capability, the operatives held their ground and exchanged fire with the gang in the surrounding residential neighbourhood through the early morning hours.
The police eventually repelled the attackers, forcing them to flee into the surrounding bushes with various degrees of gunshot wounds. Following the shootout, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine and seven rounds of live ammunition that had been left behind by the criminals as they scattered from the scene.
The primary targets of the attack, identified as a Mr. Samson and his wife, were rescued entirely unharmed. Owing to the intense psychological distress of the ordeal, the couple were evacuated to a general hospital for medical evaluation and trauma care before being attended to by medical personnel.
Both victims have since been discharged from the medical facility and placed safely under protective custody, according to the account given by the command. The quick intervention meant that, despite the violence of the encounter, the kidnappers left without any of their intended victims and without inflicting harm on the targeted family.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, commended his officers for the bravery and professionalism they displayed during the operation. To reassure residents and guard against further attacks, the command ordered enhanced surveillance and patrols within Byazhin and its environs, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property across the territory.