Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have successfully foiled a planned kidnapping and armed attack by suspected bandits in Byazhin Forest, a suburb of Abuja. The operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and 30 rounds of live ammunition.
The Command disclosed that the raid was part of a sustained security effort to tackle the resurgence of banditry and kidnapping in border communities around the FCT, including Bwari, Kuje, and Gwagwalada. Security agencies have recently intensified coordinated patrols across these areas to curb criminal activities.
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According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, on Tuesday, the operation followed credible intelligence from the Force Headquarters’ Technical Intelligence Unit indicating that a notorious bandit leader, identified as Idrisa (also known as Mai Duna), had concluded plans to launch simultaneous attacks on several villages around 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,” the statement read.
At about 1:00 a.m. on October 11, the operatives reportedly intercepted two groups of armed bandits advancing toward the area, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted about 20 minutes. The police said the attackers were subdued and forced to retreat into the forest with gunshot wounds.
“Following the encounter, reinforcement was promptly deployed from nearby Police and Military formations, while additional police units secured the general area and blocked potential escape routes. A thorough search of the scene led to the recovery of:
• One (1) AK-47 rifle with a defaced serial number
• One (1) magazine
• Thirty (30) rounds of live 7.6mm ammunition,” Adeh stated.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, commended the operatives for their gallantry and swift response, noting that their proactive action prevented what could have been a major security breach within the capital territory.
“He further directed all medical facilities within the FCT and adjoining states to be on alert and report any person found with gunshot wounds to the nearest police formation immediately,” she said.
The FCT, which houses the nation’s seat of power, has faced growing security challenges in recent months. Consequently, the Police Command has intensified joint operations with the military and local vigilante groups to dismantle criminal hideouts in forests bordering Abuja and Niger State.
Security analysts say the success of the Byazhin operation is expected to boost public confidence and reassure residents of rural communities within the FCT of the police’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
