BREAKING: FCT Police Kill Bandits, Rescue Abducted Victims

At least two members of a bandit gang terrorising residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been killed during a police-led operation.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed this to journalists at the Command Headquarters on Wednesday, saying he personally led the operation that resulted in the deaths.

The gang was trailed in connection with the abduction of five residents of Paze community in Byazhin Ward, Bwari Area Council, last week.

It was earlier reported that five persons, including a pastor, were kidnapped during an attack on Paze community, while a local vigilante member, Shuaibu Yerima, was killed by the attackers.

According to the Commissioner, the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation involving operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and the Kubwa Area Command, working alongside local hunters and vigilante groups.

Sanusi said the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation around Paze and Byazhin communities at about 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

He said the operation led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other members of the gang escaped into nearby hills.

He further disclosed that two AK-47 rifles with magazines were recovered during the operation, and two suspects were arrested during a crossfire.

According to him, the five rescued victims have been taken to a hospital for medical attention and will be reunited with their families.

He added that search operations are still ongoing across surrounding communities to track down fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.

Sanusi also urged healthcare workers in both public and private facilities to report anyone presenting gunshot wounds or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.