Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have rescued four kidnapped victims following a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers in the Jikoko Hills area of Abuja.
The victims were abducted on Wednesday night during an attack on the Yellow House area of Mpape, where armed assailants invaded the community at about 10:40 p.m.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, immediately deployed operatives from the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, personnel from the Katampe and Mpape Divisions, and officers of the 24 Police Mobile Force Squadron to trail the kidnappers.
Police said investigations revealed that the gunmen shot two residents before abducting four others, whom they forcefully marched through the Jikoko Hills towards the Ushafa Forest.
The injured victims were rushed to hospital, but one of them, identified simply as Mr. Babangida, later died from his injuries, while the second victim is receiving treatment and responding positively.
The Command said security operatives sustained a relentless pursuit of the kidnappers from the night of the attack until the early hours of Friday when they traced them to Jikoko Hills at about 12:05 a.m.
On sighting the advancing police team, the kidnappers reportedly opened fire, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire. However, the operatives overpowered the suspects, forcing them to abandon the hostages and flee deeper into the surrounding hills and forest.
All four abducted victims were rescued unhurt, evacuated safely from the forest and reunited with their families.
The Police said a manhunt is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Reacting to the operation, FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, assured residents that the Command would not relent until all those responsible for the attack are arrested and prosecuted.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.
