Odita Sunday 
Police Rescue Five Kidnap Victims As FCT CP Leads Night Operation, Two Suspects Killed
By Odita Sunday
A daring late-night rescue operation personally led by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, has resulted in the freedom of five kidnapped victims and the dismantling of part of a suspected kidnapping network operating in the Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory.
The operation, which followed recent abductions in the Paze community of Byazhin, culminated in a fierce gun battle between security operatives and suspected kidnappers, leading to the neutralisation of two suspects, the arrest of two others, and the recovery of firearms.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, the rescue mission was spearheaded by CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, alongside operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and the Kubwa Area Command. The team worked in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
The statement disclosed that the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities on June 9, 2026, at about 9 p.m., following intelligence on the activities of kidnappers in the area.
During the operation, security operatives reportedly engaged the suspects in a gun duel.
Two members of the gang were neutralised, while two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman were arrested. Several other members of the criminal gang escaped into nearby hills with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
The police also recovered two AK-47 rifles along with magazines from the suspects during the operation.
As a result of the sustained pressure mounted by the security team, the kidnappers were forced to abandon five hostages, who were rescued unharmed and immediately evacuated from the area.
The victims were subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation and treatment, while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families.
The Command said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the entire criminal network, with search operations continuing across the affected communities and surrounding areas.
The police further appealed to healthcare practitioners, public and private hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report anyone presenting gunshot-related injuries or seeking medical attention under suspicious circumstances, noting that some fleeing suspects may attempt to obtain treatment.
Commending the courage and professionalism displayed by the operatives and supporting local security volunteers, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi reaffirmed the Command’s determination to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
The Command also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.
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