FCT Police foil kidnap attempt, recover AK-47; debunk school abduction alarm

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has foiled a kidnapping attempt in the Byazhin area of Abuja, rescuing two residents unharmed and recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, while also debunking reports of an alleged abduction at a primary school in Gbagalape.

The Command disclosed that operatives attached to its Anti-Kidnapping Unit successfully thwarted the abduction attempt in the early hours of Friday following intelligence reports on the presence of suspected kidnappers around the Redeemed Church area of Byazhin, near Paze Hills.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the operatives, led by the Officer Commanding (OC) of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, swiftly mobilised to the area at about 12:34 a.m. on June 5.

The police said the team discovered armed suspects attempting to forcefully gain entry into a residence with the intention of abducting the occupants.

“Upon sighting the police team, the suspects opened fire, prompting a decisive response from the police team,” the statement said.

The Command explained that a fierce gun battle lasting more than 30 minutes ensued, during which the operatives successfully repelled the attackers and foiled the kidnapping attempt.

The suspects reportedly fled into surrounding bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

Exhibits recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and seven rounds of live ammunition.

The intended victims, identified as Mr. Samson and his wife, were rescued unharmed and evacuated to safety.

According to the police, the couple was subsequently taken to General Hospital, Gwarinpa, where they received medical attention for trauma-related distress before being placed under protective custody.

Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, praised their bravery and professionalism and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory.

He also directed enhanced surveillance patrols within the area to forestall further criminal activities and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies.

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has dismissed reports of an alleged kidnapping incident at Phase 1 Primary School, Gbagalape, Abuja, describing the alarm as false.

The Command said officers attached to the Nyanya Division responded to a distress call at about 10:30 a.m. on June 4 alleging that a kidnapping was in progress at the school.

According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately deployed officers and surveillance teams to the scene to assess the situation and ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

Preliminary investigations revealed that students suddenly began shouting “kidnappers” and running out of the school premises, causing panic among teachers and residents of the area.

Consequently, the school premises were cordoned off and thoroughly searched by responding officers.

“Following extensive search and questioning of persons within and around the school premises, no kidnapping incident was established, no suspect was sighted, and no victim was identified,” the police stated.

The Command added that surrounding hills, boundaries and adjoining areas were patrolled and searched, while nearby schools were also visited as part of precautionary security measures.

The police therefore urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic and tension within communities.

Residents were also encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities and emergencies through the nearest police station or the Command’s emergency lines as part of efforts to strengthen security across the Federal Capital Territory.