Operatives of the FCT Police Command have rescued twenty kidnapped victims during a joint security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to a press release issued by the command, the coordinated search-and-rescue operation was carried out between March 6 and 7, 2026, following credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers fleeing ongoing security operations in Gauraka Forest in Niger State had crossed into Gidan Dogo and Kweri forests in Kaduna State with kidnapped victims.
Acting on the intelligence, the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led a combined tactical team deep into the forest in pursuit of the suspects. Upon approaching the kidnappers’ hideout, the criminals opened fire on the operatives, triggering a fierce gun battle that lasted for more than one hour and thirty minutes.
Security operatives eventually subdued the gang through superior tactics and firepower. Several suspects were neutralized during the exchange, while two suspects identified as Nura Sani and Abdul Bello were arrested. Other gang members reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds into surrounding forest areas and hills.
The operation resulted in the successful rescue of twenty victims—ten males and ten females—who were earlier abducted from Byazhin District of the Federal Capital Territory and from Gauraka and Tafa areas of Niger State.
Security operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle with breech number 90-17147, one magazine loaded with twenty rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and a locally made firearm.
The rescued victims were immediately rushed to hospital for medical examination and treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, Miller Gajere Dantawaye, commended the bravery and professionalism displayed by the security operatives during the operation.
He also urged residents of the FCT to remain calm, vigilant, and security-conscious, while encouraging them to promptly report suspicious persons or movements to the police through emergency lines 08032003913 and 08061581938.
The command further appealed to the media and social media users to exercise patience when reporting sensitive security incidents, warning that premature or unverified information could endanger victims and compromise ongoing rescue missions.
List of Victims Rescued:
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Olowa Tosin
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Blessing Titi
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Success Anthony
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Victor Anthony
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Angel Anthony
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Flourish Anthony
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Oniwola Ganiyu
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Mercy Jafia
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Bashir Umar (35 years)
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Hannatu Yohanna
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James Raphael
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Danjuma Joy
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Pastor Bulus Ganiyu
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Abdulmumini Adamu
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Abubakar Garba
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Ruth Precious
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Idris Ayuba
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Damina Precious
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Tanko Jeji
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Isah Bello
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