Police foil major attack in Abuja, kill three bandits

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has disrupted what authorities say was a planned major assault on an Abuja community, following actionable intelligence and a coordinated raid carried out by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

The operation comes in the wake of a series of abductions in ACO Community, Gwagwalada, and Bwari, which triggered fresh directives from the FCT Commissioner of Police for an intensified crackdown on the network behind the crimes.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, intelligence later indicated that the gang had finalized preparations for another violent strike to occur on or before December 1, 2025, with plans to abduct residents, demand ransom, and further destabilize the community.

“Acting swiftly on this intelligence, FCT Police operatives on 30th November 2025 at about 02:11 PM, traced and arrested one of the key conspirators, a wanted kidnapper and armed robbery suspect named Sani Mohammed Umar a.k.a. Boko, and his mobile phone, suspected to be the primary device used in coordinating the criminal operations was recovered from him.

“Investigations confirmed that the suspect belonged to the gang responsible for the previous attacks and kidnappings in ACO and Dupa and Gwagwalada, as well as multiple armed robbery incidents across Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. He also admitted that his gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, where they had converged to commence their next planned community attack.

“At about 11:01 PM, the Anti-Kidnapping team, led by the OC-Anti-Kidnapping, tactically advanced into the forest, reached the gang’s meeting point, and laid a well-planned ambush. On sighting the operatives, the heavily armed bandits opened fire. The Police responded decisively, engaging the criminals in a fierce 30-minute gun duel, during which three (3) of the bandits were neutralized,” the statement said.

She added that several gang members fled with suspected gunshot injuries, while recovered exhibits included three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and thirty-three rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

“A joint operation involving Police operatives and the Forward Operation Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Army, 176 Battalion, Kwali, is ongoing, with teams combing the forest and blocking all escape routes. Medical facilities across the area have been alerted to report any individual presenting with bullet wounds to the nearest security agency or contact the Command via 08032003913, 08061581938.

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT, commends the gallantry and professionalism of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and appreciates the valuable intelligence provided by members of the public. He urges residents to remain vigilant and continue to supply timely information,” the statement added.