Abuja Kidnapping Foiled: Police Rescue Four Hostages After Deadly Gun Battle in Mpape

Quick Reads

• Four hostages rescued unharmed after a two-day manhunt
• One victim, identified as Mr. Babangida, was killed during the attack
• A second victim is recovering in hospital from a gunshot wound
• Police intercepted the kidnappers near Jikoko Hills, sparking a fierce gun battle
• Manhunt for the fleeing suspects is still ongoing

An Abuja kidnapping operation targeting residents of the Yellow House area in Mpape has been foiled by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, which rescued four hostages following a tense gun battle with armed abductors in the Jikoko Hills.

The rescue came at a painful cost, however, as one of the victims, identified only as Mr. Babangida, was confirmed dead after being shot during the initial attack. A second victim who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg is said to be responding positively to treatment in hospital.

According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the drama began at about 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday when the command received a distress call reporting that armed men had invaded Mpape and abducted four residents. The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Sanusi, quickly deployed operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Katampe and Mpape Divisions, and the 24 Police Mobile Force Squadron to track down the assailants.

Investigations revealed that the attackers had shot two residents before fleeing the scene with four other hostages, forcing them through Jikoko Hills toward the Ushafa Forest. Police maintained a relentless pursuit through the night and into the early hours of Friday, eventually locating the kidnappers around 12:05 a.m. still heading toward the forest with their captives.

A fierce exchange of gunfire broke out when the kidnappers opened fire on the advancing police team. But the operatives held their ground, overpowering the suspects and forcing them to abandon their hostages and scatter deeper into the hills. All four victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.

This latest Abuja kidnapping incident underscores the persistent security threat facing residents on the outskirts of the capital. Police say the manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing, and the Commissioner of Police has assured residents that the command remains committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice. Members of the public have been urged to stay alert and report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the FCT Police Command’s emergency lines.