Police break kidnap syndicate plot, gun down three bandits in Abuja

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

The breakthrough comes on the heels of recent kidnapping incidents in ACO Community, Gwagwalada, and Bwari.

Concerned by the trend, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to intensify operations and dismantle the syndicate behind the attacks.

Intelligence gathered by operatives revealed that the gang had concluded plans to launch another violent attack on or before December 1, 2025, with the aim of abducting residents, demanding ransom, and unleashing more violence.

Acting on the intelligence, police operatives on November 30 at about 2:11 p.m. traced and arrested a key conspirator, Sani Mohammed Umar, also known as Boko.

The suspect, a wanted kidnapper and armed robbery kingpin, was found with a mobile device believed to be central to the coordination of the gang’s operations.

Further investigation confirmed that Umar belonged to the syndicate responsible for the earlier attacks and kidnappings in ACO and Dupa in Gwagwalada, as well as a series of armed robberies across Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.

He reportedly confessed that his gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, where they had converged to launch their next attack.

At about 11:01 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by the OC Anti-Kidnapping, advanced into the forest, reached the gang’s meeting point, and laid an ambush. On sighting the police team, the heavily armed bandits opened fire.

The officers responded decisively, engaging the criminals in a fierce 30-minute gun duel. Three of the bandits were neutralised, while 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 police operatives and soldiers of the Forward Operation Base (FOB), 176 Battalion, Kwali, is ongoing, with teams combing the forest and blocking escape routes.

Medical facilities in the area have also been placed on alert to report anyone presenting with bullet wounds.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT, applauded the gallantry and professionalism of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, while commending residents for supplying timely intelligence.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies.

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