The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has thwarted an impending terror attack after a coordinated ambush on a bandits’ hideout in Kwali resulted in the death of three gang members.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, intelligence reports indicated that the criminals had finalized plans to strike a community on or before December 1. Acting on this information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, ordered the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to intensify surveillance and track the syndicate’s movement.
The operation commenced around 2:11 p.m. on November 30, when officers traced and arrested a key suspect, Sani Mohammed Umar popularly known as Boko. His mobile phone, believed to be the primary communication device for coordinating the group’s activities, was recovered during the arrest.
Adeh confirmed that the suspect belonged to a gang responsible for previous attacks and kidnappings in ACO, Dupa, and Gwagwalada, as well as multiple armed robberies across Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. During interrogation, he revealed that his accomplices were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, where they had assembled for another planned attack.
Acting swiftly, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit advanced into the forest around 11:01 p.m., reached the gang’s meeting point, and set up an ambush. Upon sighting the operatives, the armed bandits opened fire, prompting a fierce 30-minute gun battle. Three bandits were killed, while the rest escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
Recovered items include three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and 33 rounds of live ammunition.
The police further disclosed that a joint operation with troops of the Nigerian Army’s 176 Battalion is ongoing, with officers combing the forest and sealing off escape routes. Medical facilities within the area have also been alerted to report individuals presenting with gunshot injuries.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery of the operatives and urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.
