Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have thwarted a planned kidnapping and armed attack by suspected bandits in Byazhin Forest, a suburb of Abuja.
During the operation, police recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and 30 rounds of live ammunition from the suspects who fled with gunshot wounds after a fierce gun duel.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the operation followed credible intelligence from the Force Headquarters’ Technical Intelligence Unit.
The report revealed that a notorious bandit leader, identified as Idrisa, popularly known as “Mai Duna,” had plotted simultaneous attacks on several villages near the Byazhin forest axis.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence report, on 10th October 2025, at about 9:00 p.m., the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit deployed tactical teams to mount an ambush along the suspected routes of the criminals,” Adeh said.
She added that around 1:00 a.m. the following day, the police intercepted two groups of armed bandits advancing towards their target locations, sparking a gun battle that lasted about 20 minutes.
The police overpowered the attackers, forcing them to retreat into the forest, while reinforcements from nearby police and military formations were deployed to seal off escape routes.
A search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with a defaced serial number, one magazine, and 30 live rounds of 7.6mm ammunition.
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Adeh noted that the FCT Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their bravery and prompt action, which prevented what could have been a major attack in the capital territory.
She added that the police have placed medical facilities across the FCT and neighbouring states on alert to report any individual found with gunshot wounds.
The FCT Police Command has recently intensified security operations in border communities prone to criminal activities, particularly in Bwari, Kuje, and Gwagwalada.
The latest success in Byazhin, according to the command, underscores its renewed commitment to protecting lives and restoring confidence among residents of the territory.