FCT Police Rescue Five Kidnap Victims, Neutralise Two Suspects in Byazhin Operation
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued five kidnapped victims following a joint security operation targeting criminal hideouts in the Byazhin area of Abuja.
The operation was launched in response to recent kidnapping incidents reported in the Paze community within the Byazhin axis of the FCT.
According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the operation was personally led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, and involved operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Kubwa Area Command, as well as local hunters and vigilante groups.
The statement said the joint security team commenced an intensive search, clearance and rescue mission across Paze and Byazhin communities on June 9, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m.
During the operation, security operatives engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman.
Police said several members of the gang escaped into nearby hills with varying degrees of gunshot injuries sustained during the exchange of fire.
The operatives also recovered two AK-47 rifles and magazines from the suspects.
The Command appealed to healthcare workers, hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or presenting suspicious injuries, as efforts continue to track down fleeing members of the gang.
According to the police, sustained pressure mounted on the kidnappers forced them to abandon five hostages, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.
The victims were taken to a nearby medical facility for examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified search operations across the area and neighbouring communities in a bid to apprehend the remaining suspects and dismantle the criminal network.
Commending the operatives and local security volunteers involved in the mission, CP Sanusi praised their courage, resilience and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the FCT Police Command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the territory.
The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, persons, or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency response lines.
SP Josephine Adeh stated that the Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents through sustained intelligence-led operations and community collaboration.
FCT Police Rescue Five Kidnap Victims, Neutralise Two Suspects in Byazhin Operation