The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping attempt by suspected bandits at Byazhin Forest, Abuja, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and other exhibits during a coordinated counter-operation.
The operation, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, ANIPR, was part of the Command’s ongoing intelligence-led efforts to rid the nation’s capital of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.
She disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence received from the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) at the Force Headquarters, indicating that a notorious bandit leader, identified as Idrisa, also known as “Mai Duna,” was planning coordinated attacks on village settlements around Byazhin Forest.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command were deployed to the area on October 10, 2025, at about 9:00 p.m. They mounted a strategic ambush along the identified routes used by the armed groups.
At about 1:00 a.m. on October 11, the police operatives sighted two separate groups of heavily armed bandits advancing toward the forest area. Upon sighting the security operatives, the assailants opened fire, leading to a fierce gun duel that lasted approximately twenty minutes.
Despite stiff resistance from the criminals, the police team overpowered them through superior firepower and tactical maneuvering, forcing the attackers to retreat deep into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
Following the exchange, reinforcement teams were immediately deployed from nearby police and military formations to support the operatives on the ground and block possible escape routes.
During a subsequent search of the area, the police recovered one AK-47 rifle with a defaced serial number, one magazine, and thirty rounds of live 7.6mm ammunition. The recovered exhibits were taken into custody as investigations continued.
SP Adeh noted that the prompt and coordinated response by the FCT Police Command prevented what could have been a major security breach in the Byazhin axis and neighboring communities.
She stated that the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved in the operation, emphasizing that their swift action demonstrated the Command’s readiness to respond to emerging threats.
The Commissioner also directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and tactical commanders within the territory to maintain aggressive patrols, surveillance, and intelligence gathering to deter criminal activities in both urban and rural communities.
In addition, the Command appealed to medical facilities within the FCT and adjoining states to report any persons found with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station, as the fleeing bandits were believed to have sustained injuries during the encounter.
Residents were further urged to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to the police to aid proactive interventions. SP Adeh reiterated that community cooperation remains critical to sustaining the relative peace and safety in the FCT.
She encouraged members of the public to contact the police through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, and the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) number 08107314192, assuring that all reports would be treated promptly and confidentially.
The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying security operations, fostering collaboration with other security agencies, and maintaining Abuja’s status as a safe and secure capital for all residents and visitors.
