Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have thwarted an attempted kidnapping and armed attack by suspected bandits in the Byazhin Forest area of the FCT, recovering an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and 30 rounds of live ammunition during the operation.
The successful operation, carried out by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, followed actionable intelligence from the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) at Force Headquarters, which indicated plans by a notorious bandit leader, identified as Idrisa, alias “Mai Duna,” to launch coordinated attacks on selected village settlements around the Byazhin axis.
Acting on the intelligence, the police tactical team mounted a strategic ambush on October 10, 2025, at about 9:00 p.m. along the suspected routes of the armed group. At about 1:00 a.m. on October 11, the operatives reportedly sighted two groups of heavily armed bandits advancing toward the area.
According to the Police Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects engaged the operatives in a fierce gun battle that lasted roughly 20 minutes. The attackers were eventually subdued and forced to retreat into the forest with gunshot wounds.
Reinforcements from nearby police and military formations were swiftly deployed to the scene to secure the area and block possible escape routes. A subsequent search led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with a defaced serial number, one magazine, and 30 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition.
Commending the officers for their gallantry and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, praised the swift and coordinated response that averted what could have been a major security breach. He also urged hospitals and medical facilities across the FCT and neighbouring states to immediately report any persons presenting with gunshot wounds to the nearest police formation.
The Commissioner further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, or CRU: 08107314192.
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