Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have thwarted a planned kidnapping and armed attack by suspected bandits in the Byazhin Forest area of Abuja, recovering an AK-47 rifle and rounds of ammunition during the operation.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the operation was part of intensified efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping across border communities in the FCT, especially Bwari, Kuje, and Gwagwalada.
Adeh said the raid followed credible intelligence from the Force Headquarters’ Technical Intelligence Unit, which revealed that a notorious bandit leader, identified as Idrisa, also known as “Mai Duna,” had concluded plans to launch coordinated 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, operatives reportedly intercepted two groups of armed bandits advancing toward the area, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted about twenty minutes. The police said the attackers were subdued and forced to retreat into the forest with gunshot wounds.
Reinforcement was immediately deployed from nearby police and military formations, while additional units secured the area and blocked possible escape routes. A search of the scene led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with a defaced serial number, one magazine, and thirty rounds of live 7.6mm ammunition.
The FCT Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their gallantry and quick response, noting that their swift action prevented what could have been a major security breach.
He also directed medical facilities within the FCT and neighbouring states to report anyone with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station.
In recent months, the FCT has witnessed a rise in criminal activities, particularly in border communities. In response, the police have strengthened joint operations with the military and local vigilantes to dismantle criminal hideouts and improve public safety.
Security experts say the successful Byazhin operation is a significant boost to public confidence in the police’s commitment to protecting residents of the FCT.
