One dead, another injured as security forces foil late-night kidnap attempt in Abuja

Tragedy struck in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday night when a vigilante official was shot dead and another critically wounded during a gun battle between suspected kidnappers and security operatives in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The incident happened around 10:47 p.m. in Kpaduma community, AMAC, when armed kidnappers launched a coordinated attack in an attempt to abduct residents.

Eyewitnesses told News Point Nigeria that the armed gang stormed the community under the cover of darkness and began shooting sporadically to scare residents.

READ ALSO: Police engage notorious Abuja kidnappers in gun battle, rescue victims

According to a resident, Danjuma Sheduza Moses, locals quickly alerted the community’s vigilante team, who mobilised and, alongside the police anti-kidnap squad, engaged the attackers.

A fierce gun battle followed, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their mission and flee into the nearby forest.

Spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Adeh Josephine, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday. She said the FCT Police Commissioner, CP Saka Ajao Adewale, personally led a rapid response team that included senior officers from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Asokoro Division.

READ ALSO: Kidnappers kill 2 victims in Abuja after ransom delay

Unfortunately, two members of the local vigilante group were hit during the crossfire and rushed to the National Hospital in Abuja. “One of the victims was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, while the other remains under close medical care and is responding to treatment,” Josephine said.

She added that CP Adewale praised the gallantry of both the police operatives and vigilante members while extending condolences to the family of the deceased.

The FCT Police Command assured residents of heightened surveillance across AMAC and other area councils, reiterating its resolve to flush out kidnappers and criminal elements terrorising rural communities in the nation’s capital.

Residents were also urged to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies to prevent future attacks.

Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:

Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com