At least two members of the bandits’ gang terrorising residents of the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) have been shot dead.
CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, FCT Police Commissioner, who disclosed this to newsmen at the command on Wednesday, said he led the operation that resulted in their deaths.
The gang was trailed over the abduction of five residents of Paze community in Byazhin ward of Bwari Area Council last week.
Daily Trust had reported that five people, including a pastor, were reportedly abducted while a local vigilante member identified as Shuaibu Yerima was shot dead after bandits invaded Paze community on Thursday.
According to the police commissioner, the kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation involving a team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the NPF Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
He said it was at approximately 9:00 p:m on Tuesday, when he led the joint security team to launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities.
The operation reportedly led to the arrest of suspects identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members reportedly fled into nearby hills.
“And during the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines, while two of the gang members were arrested during the crossfire,” he said.
CP Sanusi said the five rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families.
He said that while search operations continue across the general area and adjoining communities with the aim at apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network.
He also called on healthcare practitioners, private and public hospitals and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting gunshot related injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
