The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has thwarted a planned large-scale attack by a notorious kidnap syndicate following an intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of a key suspect and the neutralization of three members of the gang.
The police intensified counter-kidnapping efforts after recent abductions in ACO Community, Gwagwalada, and Bwari. Acting on credible intelligence, the Command discovered that the syndicate had concluded plans to launch another violent attack on or before December 1, 2025.
A breakthrough came on November 30 when operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested a wanted suspect, Sani Mohammed Umar, popularly known as Boko, believed to be a major coordinator of the gang’s operations. His mobile phone suspected to be the primary tool used for planning attacks was recovered.
Investigations linked Umar to previous kidnappings in ACO and Dupa communities as well as several armed robbery incidents across Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. He reportedly revealed that gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, where they had assembled for their next operation.
Later that night, the Anti-Kidnapping team led by its Officer-in-Charge advanced into the forest and staged a strategic ambush. A fierce exchange ensued when the bandits opened fire upon sighting the operatives. The police team overpowered them, leading to the neutralization of three members of the gang, while others fled with suspected injuries.
Recovered items from the operation include:
Three AK-47 rifles
Three magazines
Thirty-three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
A joint operation involving Police operatives and troops of the Nigerian Army’s 176 Battalion, Kwali, is ongoing to track the fleeing suspects. Medical facilities in the area have been placed on alert to report anyone presenting with gunshot wounds.
Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its professionalism and lauded the public for providing timely intelligence. He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements.
