The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has foiled a planned large-scale attack on a community within the Territory, following credible intelligence and a coordinated tactical operation by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
In a statement Police Public Relations Officer FCT Police Command Abuja SP Josephine Adeh said the operation was launched in response to recent kidnapping incidents in ACO Community, Gwagwalada, and Bwari, which prompted the Commissioner of Police to direct an intensified crackdown on the criminal syndicate responsible.
Intelligence later revealed that the gang had finalized plans to carry out another violent attack on or before December 1, 2025, with the intention of abducting residents, demanding ransom, and causing additional harm.
Acting swiftly, police operatives on November 30, 2025, at about 2:11 p.m., tracked and arrested a key conspirator, Sani Mohammed Umar, known as “Boko,” a wanted kidnapper and armed robbery suspect. His mobile phone, believed to be the primary communication device for coordinating the gang’s operations, was also recovered.
Investigations confirmed that Umar was part of the syndicate responsible for earlier attacks and kidnappings in ACO, Dupa, and Gwagwalada, as well as armed robbery cases across Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. He further disclosed that his gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, where they had assembled to launch their next attack.
At about 11:01 p.m., the Anti-Kidnapping team, led by the Officer-in-Charge, advanced into the forest and ambushed the gang at their meeting point. The bandits opened fire on sighting the operatives, prompting a fierce 30-minute exchange. Three members of the gang were neutralised, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
Recovered items from the operation include:
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Three AK-47 rifles
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Three magazines loaded with thirty-three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
A joint operation involving Police operatives and troops of the Nigerian Army’s 176 Battalion, Kwali, is underway, with security teams combing the forest and sealing off escape routes. Medical facilities in the area have been directed to report anyone presenting with gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency or to contact the Command via 08032003913 or 08061581938.
The FCT Commissioner of Police commended the gallantry and professionalism of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and appreciated the intelligence support from the public. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information.
