Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command announced that its operatives killed 10 suspected kidnappers and arrested nine others during clearance operations in Kaduna and Niger states.
At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu said officers from the anti-kidnapping unit raided hideouts in the Kweri and Gauraka forests. “The gang leader and eight others were neutralized after an intense exchange of gunfire,” he said, adding that they sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment.
Disu reported that six of the arrested suspects were involved in armed robbery and kidnapping incidents in the Dei-dei, Bwari, and Dawaki areas of Abuja, the capital city. The suspects are part of a kidnapping and banditry gang led by a kingpin who was neutralized during the operation, he added.
Recovered items include three AK-47 rifles, 100 rounds of 7.62 ammunition, and 10 magazines. Disu noted that intelligence reports indicated victims were often held in forests across Kaduna and Niger states, including Gidan Dogo and Kachia.
He added that three wanted suspects were also arrested in a separate operation for their roles in kidnapping attacks, including incidents at ECWA pastors’ quarters in Bwari and villages near Abuja. Efforts to apprehend other gang members are ongoing.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
