Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested nine suspects and neutralized 10 others during clearance operations targeting kidnappers’ hideouts in the FCT and neighboring states.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, disclosed this at a press briefing on Monday in Abuja, highlighting the success of the command’s anti-kidnapping unit.
According to Disu, the operations were conducted in Kweri Forest, Kaduna State, and Gauraka Forest, Niger State—key strongholds of kidnapping syndicates.
“Six of the suspects arrested over culpable homicide were linked to multiple armed robbery and kidnapping incidents in Dei-dei, Bwari, and Dawaki communities within the FCT,” Disu stated.
He revealed that the suspects were members of a kidnapping and banditry gang led by a notorious figure who was neutralized during the operations.
“During the assault on the kidnappers’ hideouts in Kweri and Gauraka forests, the gang leader and eight others were neutralized following a heavy exchange of gunfire.
Two of our operatives sustained serious injuries during the operation and are currently receiving treatment,” Disu said.
The Commissioner noted that intelligence reports indicated the gang had been holding kidnap victims at various locations, including Gidan Dogo and Kachia forests in Kaduna State and Gauraka Forest in Niger State.
He added that the police recovered three AK-47 rifles, 100 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and 10 AK-47 magazines from the suspects, with efforts ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
In a separate operation, Disu reported the arrest of three wanted suspects involved in kidnapping, banditry, and culpable homicide.
These suspects had allegedly carried out armed robbery and kidnapping attacks targeting ECWA pastors’ quarters in Dnapoyi village (Bwari Area Council) and communities in Mpape and Daupe villages.
The police recovered two AK-47 rifles, 85 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three AK-47 magazines, and one locally-made firearm from the suspects.
Disu assured residents that the FCT Police Command would sustain its efforts to dismantle kidnapping and banditry networks in the region.
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