Police foil kidnap attempt on couple In Abuja, after 30-minute gun battle

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt in the Byazhin area of Abuja, recovering an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and seven rounds of live ammunition after a gun duel with suspected kidnappers.

According to the police, the operation took place in the early hours of Thursday, June 5, 2026, following credible intelligence about the presence of armed suspects around the Redeemed Church area in Byazhin, near Paze Hills.

In a statement issued on Friday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, operatives attached to the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit swiftly mobilised to the area in a coordinated operation led by the Officer Commanding (OC) of the unit.

The statement said that upon arrival, the police team discovered that the armed suspects were attempting to forcefully gain entry into a residence with the intention of abducting the occupants.

According to the police, the suspects opened fire on sighting the operatives, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

The police said a fierce gun battle ensued for more than 30 minutes, during which officers successfully repelled the attackers and thwarted the kidnapping attempt.

“The suspects fled into the surrounding bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” the statement said.

Following the operation, the police recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and seven rounds of live ammunition from the scene.

The intended victims, identified as Mr. Samson and his wife, were rescued unharmed and evacuated to safety.

According to the statement, the couple was taken to the General Hospital, Gwarinpa, where they received medical attention for trauma-related distress before being placed under protective custody.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, commended the officers involved in the operation for their bravery and professionalism.

He also reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory.

Sanusi further directed the deployment of enhanced surveillance patrols in the area to prevent any further criminal activities.

The police urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts against crime in the territory.