Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command says it has foiled a planned large-scale attack by a notorious kidnapping gang, killing three of its members during a coordinated ambush in the Kwali area of Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the breakthrough followed recent kidnapping incidents in ACO Estate, Dupa, Gwagwalada, and Bwari, which prompted the Commissioner of Police to direct the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to intensify intelligence-led operations across vulnerable communities.
According to the Command, credible intelligence later revealed that the syndicate had concluded plans to launch another violent attack on or before December 1, with the intent to abduct residents and demand ransom.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelActing on the intelligence, police operatives trailed and arrested a key conspirator identified as Sani Mohammed Umar, also known as “Boko”, at about 2:11 p.m. on November 30. His mobile phone, allegedly used in coordinating the gang’s operations, was recovered.
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Investigations linked the suspect to earlier abductions in ACO and Dupa, as well as armed robbery incidents across Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. Adeh said the suspect confessed that his gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills in Kwali, where they had gathered to begin another attack.
Later that night, at about 11:01 p.m., the Anti-Kidnapping team led by the Officer-in-Charge advanced into the forest and laid an ambush at the gang’s meeting point. The suspects opened fire on sighting the operatives, sparking a fierce 30-minute gun duel.
Three members of the gang were killed in the exchange, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene include three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and 33 rounds of live ammunition.
A joint operation involving police operatives and troops of the Nigerian Army’s 176 Battalion, Kwali, was ongoing at the time of the report, with teams combing the forest and blocking escape routes. Medical centres in the area have been directed to immediately report anyone presenting with bullet wounds.
The Commissioner of Police praised the professionalism of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and encouraged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing actionable intelligence to security agencies.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
