FCT CP, policemen battle bandits, rescue abductees
Police officers
The Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, alongside other officers have rescued some kidnapped victims in Abuja.
The police in a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh on Monday, said the operation followed a distress call on the attack by unknown gunmen in Dawaki on May 19, at about 11:30 am.
The police said the rescue operation was carried out in synergy with local hunters; as security operatives “Advanced on the assailants, tactically ambushing them at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape”.
The police, however, did not put a number to those rescued, but it noted that one of the rescued victims is presently at an undisclosed hospital receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, our correspondent learnt that suspected terrorists had on Sunday invaded Dakwa, DeiDei area, a suburb along the Zuba, Suleja road in the FCT between 12 and 1:30 am, resulting in the kidnapping of four people and leaving many others injured.
An eyewitness, who chose to remain anonymous, told newsmen that the bandits launched their operation from Rufaida Yougout in Dakwa, moving towards Buy filling station and down to Hasmos School.
The incursion sparked a serious gun battle between the vigilantes and the bandits, culminating in the abduction of four individuals.
“As I speak at 9 am on Sunday morning, there is a significant military presence and other senior police officers in Dakwa, assessing what happened during the night,” the eyewitness reported, adding that, “We did our best to alert the necessary security forces, but all efforts could not prevent the kidnappings.”
Alice Jacob, a resident, recounted hearing intense gunfire but was too frightened to leave her home.
She noted that the shootout lasted for nearly 30 minutes. Another resident, Bala Usman, confirmed the incident and appealed to the government to enhance security measures to protect the lives and properties of the community’s residents.
He urged his fellow residents to maintain communication with security authorities when necessary.
However, the police in a statement issued on Monday by the the FCT Police Public Relations Officers, SP Josephine Adeh, said, “The operatives of the FCT police command led by the Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh himself, swiftly mobilized to the scene.
“This led to a fierce gun duel as the hoodlums were overwhelmed by the firepower of the operatives, forcing them to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullet injuries, and the victims were rescued.
“While one of the rescued victims is still in the hospital receiving medical attention, the commissioner of police reaffirms the command’s steadfast dedication to maintaining peace and security in the Territory, as search operations are ongoing to rescue other hostages who fled the scene during the shootout.”
She further noted that the command will provide more information in due course.
