The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued 20 kidnapped victims during a joint security operation conducted in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes.
The operation, carried out between March 6 and 7, 2026, followed credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers fleeing ongoing security operations in Gauraka Forest in Niger State had crossed into the Gidan Dogo and Kweri forests in Kaduna State with abducted victims.
Acting on the intelligence, the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Police Command led the combined tactical team into the forest to track down the criminals.
According to the police, upon approaching the suspects’ hideout, the kidnappers opened fire on the operatives, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted for over one hour and thirty minutes. The operatives eventually subdued the criminals through superior tactics and firepower.
During the exchange, some of the suspects were neutralised, while two others identified as Nura Sani and Abdul Bello were arrested. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds into nearby forests and hills.
The operation led to the rescue of 20 kidnapped victims, comprising 10 males and 10 females. The victims had earlier been abducted from the Byazhin District of the FCT, as well as Gauraka and Tafa areas of Niger State.
Security operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle with breech number 90-17147, a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and a locally made firearm from the suspects.
The rescued victims were immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention.
The police further appealed to members of the press and social media users to exercise patience when reporting sensitive security incidents, noting that premature or unverified information could endanger victims and compromise ongoing rescue operations.
While commending the gallantry and professionalism of the operatives involved in the mission, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, urged residents of the FCT to remain calm, vigilant and security conscious. He also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to the command through its emergency numbers.
