FCT police rescue five kidnap victims, arrest two suspects in Byazhin

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued five kidnapped victims and arrested two suspected kidnappers during a joint security operation in the Byazhin area of Abuja.

The operation followed recent kidnapping incidents in the Paze community and was led by the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, alongside operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Kubwa Area Command, local hunters and vigilante groups.

According to the Command, the operation was launched on the night of June 9 across Paze and Byazhin communities. During the raid, security operatives engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, leading to the neutralisation of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman.

“The joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities,” the police said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Command added that two AK-47 rifles and magazines were recovered during the operation, while other members of the gang fled with gunshot wounds.

“The sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were promptly rescued unharmed,” the statement said.

The rescued victims were taken to a hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families.

Police said search operations had continued in the area and adjoining communities to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.

The Command also called on hospitals and healthcare providers to report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds under suspicious circumstances.

Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi commended the operatives and local security volunteers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the FCT.