ABUJA, Nigeria — Police operatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have arrested a suspected kidnapper following a dramatic gun battle in the early hours of Friday, October 19, 2024.
The incident occurred when a gang of kidnappers invaded an estate in the Kubwa area of Abuja, triggering a swift police response that led to the apprehension of one suspect and the recovery of weapons and a vehicle belonging to the gang.
The gang was confronted by police after they were alerted by a resident, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
The suspects fled into a nearby swamp, but one of them was captured during the pursuit.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, confirmed the arrest and disclosed that several weapons were recovered from the suspect, including an AK-47 rifle with 20 rounds of live ammunition and a Beretta pistol loaded with 12 rounds.
The arrest followed a coordinated effort by the police after receiving a timely call from a resident of the estate.
“Luckily, one of them was arrested, and others escaped. We recovered an AK-47 rifle with 20 live rounds, and a Beretta pistol with 12 rounds of ammunition,” Disu said.
He emphasized the importance of immediate reporting of suspicious activities, urging residents to contact the police as soon as they notice any unusual behaviour.
“This incident highlights the critical role that residents play in aiding security operations. I want to thank the person who called us into action quickly,” he added.
The commissioner also assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang who managed to escape the scene.
He reiterated the importance of community vigilance, stressing that prompt communication with law enforcement agencies can help prevent criminal activities.
“We are making frantic efforts to arrest others who fled. We encourage everyone to report any suspicious activities without delay. If you see something, act on it by contacting the police immediately,” Disu said.
The incident has heightened concerns about security in the FCT, particularly in residential areas like Kubwa, where there have been recent reports of kidnapping attempts.
The police, however, have vowed to intensify their efforts to safeguard communities and respond swiftly to any future incidents.
Residents of the estate have commended the police for their rapid response and intervention, expressing relief that the situation was brought under control before more harm could be done.
The police have urged the public to continue cooperating with security agencies by utilizing the emergency contact lines available for swift intervention in any criminal activity.
