FCT Police Thwart Bandits’ Attack, Recover Weapons in Byazhin Forest

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have thwarted a planned kidnapping and armed attack by suspected bandits in Byazhin Forest, a suburb of Abuja. During the operation, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and 30 rounds of live ammunition.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the successful raid was part of ongoing efforts to suppress the resurgence of banditry and kidnapping across border communities in the territory, particularly in Bwari, Kuje, and Gwagwalada Area Councils.

Adeh explained that the operation 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,” was planning coordinated attacks on several villages around the Byazhin Forest axis.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit deployed tactical teams on October 10, 2025, at about 9:00 p.m., mounting an ambush along suspected routes used by the criminals,” Adeh stated.

At about 1:00 a.m. on October 11, the operatives intercepted two groups of armed bandits advancing toward the area, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted around 20 minutes. The police overpowered the attackers, who retreated into the forest with gunshot wounds.

Reinforcements were immediately deployed from nearby police and military formations to secure the area and block escape routes. A subsequent search of the scene led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with a defaced serial number, a magazine, and 30 rounds of live 7.6mm ammunition.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, commended the operatives for their bravery and swift action, noting that their intervention prevented a major security breach within the capital territory. He also directed all medical facilities in the FCT and surrounding states to report anyone presenting with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station.

The FCT Police Command has recently intensified joint operations with military units and local vigilante groups to dismantle criminal hideouts in forested areas bordering Abuja and Niger State. The success of the Byazhin operation, officials say, reinforces public confidence and underscores the police’s commitment to the safety of residents.