The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued a kidnap victim after a 30-minute gun battle with kidnappers in Guzape, Abuja.
The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ajao Adewale, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja yesterday, said the operation, which lasted between September 15 and 18, also left one vigilante dead and two others injured.
He explained that the incident occurred on September 15 when kidnappers attacked and attempted to abduct two young ladies before they were rescued through a coordinated police response.
According to him, two vigilante members sustained injuries during the exchange of fire, and one of them later died at the National Hospital, Abuja.
Adewale said the police, in collaboration with the army, DSS operatives, hunters, and vigilantes, tracked the gang to Zinda Forest, near Kurudu in Nasarawa State, where they engaged the criminals in another fierce battle on September 18.
“Our men overpowered them, and three of the notorious kidnappers were neutralised. Items recovered from the hideout include two AK-49 rifles, two magazines loaded with seven rounds of live ammunition, charms, animal horns, ATM cards, and N10,000 cash,” he said.
The CP added that investigation revealed the gang leader was responsible for several kidnappings across Guzape, Karu, Kpobi, Army Estate, Kurudu, and parts of Nasarawa State.
He also disclosed that the Anti-Narcotics Unit of the command arrested 11 suspected drug dealers in raids across the FCT and recovered 68 bags of substances suspected to be cannabis and other illicit drugs.
Adewale said the arrests were aimed at disrupting criminal supply chains and reducing drug-related crimes in the territory.