Security operatives have rescued 20 kidnap victims, including several residents abducted during a recent attack in Kubwa, Abuja, following a coordinated operation involving police, military and intelligence personnel.
The rescue operation, carried out between March 6 and 7, involved officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command working alongside troops of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes.
According to a statement issued by the police on Saturday, the operation was launched after intelligence revealed that suspected kidnappers fleeing security pressure in Gauraka Forest in Niger State had crossed into the Gidan Dogo and Kweri forests in Kaduna State, taking several hostages with them.
Police said the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led the joint tactical team into the forest in pursuit of the suspects.
Gun Battle in the Forest
Authorities said the security team encountered the kidnappers at their hideout, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
“The suspects opened fire on the operatives, resulting in an intense gun duel that lasted over one hour and thirty minutes,” the statement said.
Security forces eventually subdued the kidnappers during the confrontation.
Several suspects were neutralised during the exchange, while two others — Nura Sani and Abdul Bello — were arrested.
Police said other members of the gang fled into surrounding forests and hills with gunshot wounds.
Victims Rescued
The operation led to the rescue of 20 kidnapped victims, comprising ten males and ten females.
According to the police, the victims had earlier been abducted from Byazhin District in the FCT as well as Gauraka and Tafa areas of neighbouring Niger State.
Among those rescued were several children belonging to the Anthony family, who were abducted during the recent Kubwa attack earlier reported by RBN.
The Village Head, Saidu Ibraheem, also confirmed this to RBN on Sunday morning. He said the victims were rescued during the security operation and that no ransom was paid for their release.
The rescued victims were identified as:
Olowa Tosin, Blessing Titi, Success Anthony, Victor Anthony, Angel Anthony, Flourish Anthony, Oniwola Ganiyu, Mercy Jafia, Bashir Umar, Hannatu Yohanna, James Raphael, Danjuma Joy, Pastor Bulus Ganiyu, Abdulmumini Adamu, Abubakar Garba, Ruth Precious, Idris Ayuba, Damina Precious, Tanko Jeji and Isah Bello.
All the victims were taken to hospital for medical evaluation after their rescue.
Weapons Recovered
Security operatives also recovered weapons from the kidnappers’ hideout.
Police said the items include an AK-47 rifle with breech number 90-17147, a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a locally made firearm.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining suspects who escaped during the operation.
Appeal for Responsible Reporting
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has urged journalists and social media users to exercise caution when reporting kidnapping incidents or ongoing rescue operations.
According to the police, premature or unverified reports can endanger victims and compromise ongoing security efforts.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Miller G. Dantawaye, commended the officers involved in the operation for what he described as their gallantry and professionalism.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to security agencies through the command’s emergency lines.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as security agencies continue efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks operating in and around the Federal Capital Territory.