Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Couple and Recover AK-47 in Abuja

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have foiled an attempted abduction of a couple in the Byazhin area of Abuja and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and other exhibits from the scene.

Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed the development while briefing journalists in Abuja on Friday.

According to him, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday after intelligence reports alerted security operatives to the movement of suspected kidnappers around the Redeemed Church axis of Byazhin near Paze Hills in Bwari Area Council.

Sanusi said the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by its Officer Commanding, immediately mobilised to the area and launched a coordinated response.

Upon arrival, the operatives discovered that the armed suspects were attempting to break into a residential building with the intention of abducting its occupants.

The suspects reportedly opened fire immediately they sighted the approaching police team, triggering a fierce gun battle that lasted for more than 30 minutes.

The Commissioner said the superior firepower and tactical coordination of the police eventually forced the criminals to retreat.

“The suspected kidnappers, after discovering that they could not withstand the heavy firepower of our men, fled into the surrounding bushes with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” Sanusi stated.

The intended victims, identified as Mr. and Mrs. Samson, were rescued unharmed during the operation.

Police authorities said the couple was subsequently evacuated from the area and taken to the General Hospital, Gwarinpa, where they received medical attention for trauma-related distress before being placed under protective care.

Items recovered from the scene include an AK-47 rifle, one magazine and seven rounds of live ammunition.

The police command has since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and intensified surveillance operations across the area.

Sanusi commended the courage and professionalism displayed by the operatives involved in the operation, assuring residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing criminal activities and tracking down wanted suspects.