Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command disrupted an attempted kidnapping and armed assault by suspected bandits in Byazhin Forest, a suburb of Abuja, seizing an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during the operation.
The Command noted that the raid is part of heightened efforts to stem the rise of banditry and kidnapping in border communities within the FCT, especially in Bwari, Kuje, and Gwagwalada councils, where security patrols have recently been reinforced.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the operation followed credible intelligence from the Force Headquarters’ Technical Intelligence Unit, which revealed that a notorious bandit leader identified as Idrisa, also known as “Mai Duna,” had finalized plans to carry out coordinated attacks on selected settlements around the Byazhin forest axis.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence report, on 10th October 2025, at about 9:00 p.m., the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit deployed tactical teams to mount an ambush along the suspected routes of the criminals,” the statement read.
At around 1:00 a.m. on October 11, operatives reportedly engaged two groups of armed bandits advancing towards the area, resulting in a gunfight that lasted approximately twenty minutes.
The police confirmed that the attackers were overwhelmed and forced to flee back into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries.
“Following the encounter, reinforcement was promptly deployed from nearby Police and Military formations, while additional police units secured the general area and blocked potential escape routes. A thorough search of the scene led to the recovery of: • One (1) AK-47 rifle with a defaced serial number, • One (1) magazine, and • Thirty (30) rounds of live 7.6mm ammunition,” the statement added.
Adeh stated that the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, lauded the operatives for their bravery and swift action, emphasizing that their intervention prevented a major security incident within the capital territory.
“He further directed all medical facilities within the FCT and adjoining states to be on alert and report any person found with gunshot wounds to the nearest police formation immediately,” the statement added.
The FCT, which hosts the nation’s seat of power, has recently experienced a surge in security threats.
In response, the FCT Police Command has strengthened joint operations with military units and community vigilante groups to dismantle criminal enclaves in forested areas along the Abuja-Niger State border.
The successful Byazhin operation is expected to reinforce public trust and reassure residents of rural communities in the FCT of the police command’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property.