FCT Police foil major bandit attack, neutralise three suspects, recover arms

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command says it has thwarted a planned large-scale attack on a community within the territory, following credible intelligence and a coordinated sting operation by its Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

The breakthrough comes on the heels of recent kidnapping incidents in ACO Estate, Gwagwalada, and Bwari, situations that prompted the FCT Commissioner of Police to direct the Anti-Kidnapping squad to intensify efforts aimed at dismantling the criminal network behind the menace.

According to the Command, intelligence later revealed that the gang had concluded plans to launch another violent attack on or before December 1, 2025, with the intention to abduct residents, collect ransom, and further terrorise the targeted community.

Acting on the tip-off, police operatives on November 30, 2025, at about 2:11 p.m., traced and arrested one of the gang’s key conspirators, identified as Sani Mohammed Umar a.k.a. Boko, a wanted kidnapper and armed robbery suspect. His mobile phone, believed to be the primary device used in coordinating past attacks, was also recovered.

Investigations confirmed that Umar belonged to the group responsible for earlier kidnappings in ACO and Dupa communities in Gwagwalada, as well as multiple armed robbery cases across Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. He reportedly admitted that his gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, where they had assembled to begin another round of attacks.

At about 11:01 p.m., the Anti-Kidnapping team, led by the Officer-in-Charge, launched a tactical advance into the forest, arriving at the gang’s meeting point and setting up an ambush. The suspects, heavily armed, opened fire upon sighting the operatives. The police team returned fire, engaging them in a fierce 30-minute gun duel during which three bandits were neutralised. Others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.

Items recovered from the scene include:

Three AK-47 rifles

Three magazines

Thirty-three rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition

A joint operation involving the Police and the Forward Operation Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Army, 176 Battalion, Kwali, is currently ongoing, with operatives combing the forest and blocking all escape routes. Medical facilities in the area have been placed on alert to report anyone presenting with bullet wounds.

The FCT Commissioner of Police commended the gallantry and professionalism of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and expressed appreciation to residents for providing credible intelligence. He urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to supply timely information to security agencies.