The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has successfully foiled a major kidnapping plot by a notorious criminal syndicate operating across the territory, killing three suspected bandits and recovering weapons during a well-coordinated sting operation.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday, December 1, 2025. She explained that the breakthrough came following recent kidnapping incidents in the ACO community, Gwagwalada and Bwari, prompting the Commissioner of Police to direct the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to intensify operations against the syndicate.
According to SP Adeh, credible intelligence revealed that the criminal group had planned another violent attack targeting residents for ransom on or before December 1, 2025. Acting promptly on this information, FCT Police operatives tracked and arrested one of the key conspirators, Sani Mohammed Umar, also known as Boko, on November 30, 2025, at approximately 2:11 p.m. The suspect’s mobile phone, believed to have been the primary device used to coordinate the gang’s criminal operations, was recovered.
Investigations confirmed Umar’s involvement in multiple kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across ACO, Dupa, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. He reportedly confessed that other gang members were waiting at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, in preparation for their next attack on a community.
Based on this information, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by the Unit Commander, advanced into the forest late Saturday night. At about 11:01 p.m., the team reached the gang’s meeting point and laid an ambush. Upon sighting the operatives, the heavily armed bandits opened fire. A gun duel lasting approximately 30 minutes ensued, during which three suspects were neutralized. Other members reportedly fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
Recovered from the operation were three AK 47 rifles, three magazines and 33 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. In addition, a joint operation with the Forward Operation Base of the Nigerian Army, 176 Battalion, Kwali, is ongoing, with personnel combing the forest and blocking potential escape routes. Medical facilities in the surrounding area have also been placed on high alert to treat anyone with gunshot injuries.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery and professionalism of the operatives involved in the operation and urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies to prevent further attacks.
This development comes just a week after an FCT police officer was killed during an operation to repel a kidnapping in Guto Village, Bwari Area Council. Around 30 armed men reportedly invaded the community and attempted to break into a residence. Upon sighting security teams, the attackers opened fire, resulting in a gun duel in which two suspects were killed while others escaped into nearby bushes. The injured police officer was rushed to Bwari General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
Authorities have reassured the public that ongoing operations will continue until the remaining members of the gang are apprehended. Residents are being urged to report suspicious activities promptly to ensure their safety and prevent future incidents.
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