Nigerian Army troops on patrol
Security forces in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have carried out a sweeping night-time operation that led to the destruction of kidnappers’ camps and the rescue of several abducted residents across multiple communities.
The coordinated mission—led by troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and officers of the FCT Police Command—was launched after a series of attacks on December 5 and 6 in Bwari axis of the FCT.
According to security sources, the assaults began around 11:30 p.m. when armed men invaded Zone D community behind LEA Primary School, Ushafa, and abducted 49-year-old Mrs. Patience Uzor and her 27-year-old son, Mr. Friend Obinna John.
A rapid-response team mobilised within minutes, forcing the kidnappers to abandon Mrs. Uzor, who was immediately rescued, while they fled into the bush with her son, according to a report by a security analyst, ZagaZola Makama
Not done, the same gang reportedly pushed deeper into the outskirts of Zuma I and Zuma II around 1:30 a.m., attacking a Fulani settlement belonging to Mallam Jibrin Usman. Four residents—Abubakar Ibro Jibrin, Lukman Ali Jibrin, Ibrahim Jibrin Sale and Abdussalam Idris—were taken captive.
Once the report reached the police, the FCT Commissioner of Police directed the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to lead a joint Police-DSS operation aimed at tracking down the criminals and rescuing the victims.
Acting on credible intelligence, the team traced the kidnappers to Mpape Daji Forest, a dense area stretching toward Kagarko LGA and bordering Bwari.
The criminals reportedly opened fire as soon as they spotted the operatives behind the Mpape hills. In the ensuing exchange, security forces rescued Abubakar Jibrin.
Reinforcements moved in swiftly, pursuing the fleeing gang through rugged forest paths. The trail led them to Kweri Forest, where another fierce gun battle broke out.
At the end of the confrontation, the remaining three hostages—Lukman Jibrin, Ibrahim Jibrin and Abdussalam Idris—were rescued. The kidnappers escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
Security personnel later cleared the criminals’ hideout, destroying their camp and denying them the ability to regroup. No member of the security team sustained injuries during the operation.
All rescued victims were taken to Bwari General Hospital for medical checks before being reunited with their families.
Authorities have since urged residents to promptly report anyone seen with unexplained gunshot wounds, stressing that timely intelligence remains critical in tracking down fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, the FCT Command has deployed additional personnel across vulnerable routes and communities to forestall further attacks, assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue the last remaining abducted victim and dismantle criminal networks operating within and around the territory.
