The Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, led a successful operation to rescue kidnapped victims in Abuja.
The rescue operation followed a distress call reporting an attack by unknown gunmen in Dawaki on May 19 at about 11:30 am.
In a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the police said the operation was carried out in synergy with local hunters. Security operatives tactically ambushed the assailants at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape.
Although the police did not specify the number of rescued victims, they confirmed that one rescued victim is presently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The operation came after suspected terrorists invaded Dakwa, DeiDei area, along the Zuba-Suleja road in the FCT between 12 and 1:30 am on Sunday. The invaders kidnapped four people and injured many others.
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An eyewitness reported that the bandits launched their operation from Rufaida Yougout in Dakwa, moving towards Buy filling station and down to Hasmos School. A significant military and police presence was observed in Dakwa on Sunday morning.
Alice Jacob, a resident, recounted hearing intense gunfire but was too frightened to leave her home, while Bala Usman, another resident, urged the government to enhance security measures to protect the community’s residents.
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In response to the incident, the FCT Police Command, led by Commissioner Benneth Igweh, swiftly mobilized to the scene, engaging the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel. The assailants were overwhelmed, sustaining various degrees of bullet injuries, and the victims were rescued.
While one rescued victim is still in the hospital, the Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s dedication to maintaining peace and security in the territory. Search operations are ongoing to rescue other hostages who fled during the shootout. Further updates will be provided by the command in due course.