Police operatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have rescued 20 kidnapped victims after a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers in forest areas of Kaduna State.
The rescue operation was carried out by personnel of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Police Command between March 6 and 7.
The team worked alongside soldiers from the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, operatives of the Department of State Services and local vigilantes.
The operation followed intelligence that suspected kidnappers fleeing ongoing security operations in Gauraka Forest in Niger State had moved into Gidan Dogo and Kweri forests in Kaduna State with abducted victims.
According to police authorities, the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led the joint tactical team deep into the forest in pursuit of the suspects.
Gun duel with kidnappers
As the operatives approached the criminals’ hideout, the kidnappers opened fire, leading to a prolonged gun battle.
Police said the exchange of gunfire lasted more than one hour and thirty minutes.
Security operatives eventually overpowered the suspects using what officials described as superior tactics and firepower.
Several kidnappers were neutralised during the operation while two suspects were arrested.
The arrested suspects were identified as Nura Sani and Abdul Bello.
Police added that other gang members escaped with gunshot wounds into nearby forests and hills.
The operation led to the rescue of 20 kidnapped victims consisting of 10 males and 10 females.
The victims had earlier been abducted from Byazhin District in the FCT as well as Gauraka and Tafa areas of Niger State.
Security operatives also recovered an AK-47 rifle with breech number 90-17147, a magazine containing 20 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and a locally made firearm from the suspects.
All rescued victims were taken to hospital for medical attention.
Police warn against premature reports
The FCT Police Command also cautioned journalists and social media users against spreading unverified information during sensitive security operations.
Authorities warned that premature reporting of kidnapping incidents or rescue missions could endanger victims and compromise the safety of officers involved in such operations.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism.
He also urged residents of the FCT to remain calm and security conscious, and to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the police using the emergency lines 08032003913 and 08061581938.
