Nigerian Troops Smash Bandits’ Camps in FCT, Rescue Hostages After Fierce Overnight Gun Battles

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), have successfully dislodged bandits’ camps and rescued multiple abducted victims in a series of coordinated operations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The joint security offensive followed a wave of overnight attacks carried out by armed criminals between December 5 and 6, triggering swift and decisive action by security forces.

The operation was launched after gunmen invaded Zone D community behind LEA Primary School, Ushafa, at about 11:30 p.m., where they abducted a 49-year-old woman, Mrs. Patience Uzor, and her 27-year-old son, Mr. Friend Obinna John.

Responding rapidly, combined security teams stormed the area, rescuing Mrs. Uzor, while the kidnappers escaped into the bush with her son.

The criminals, however, continued their attacks. Around 1:30 a.m., they struck a Fulani settlement owned by Mallam Jibrin Usman on the outskirts of Zuma I and Zuma II communities, abducting four additional victims identified as Abubakar Ibro Jibrin, Lukman Ali Jibrin, Ibrahim Jibrin Sale, and Abdussalam Idris.

Following reports of the fresh abductions, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, immediately directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to lead a joint Police–DSS rescue operation.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives traced the kidnappers to the Mpape Daji Forest via Kagarko Local Government Area, bordering Bwari. The criminals reportedly opened fire on the security team upon contact behind the Mpape hills, leading to a fierce gun battle during which Abubakar Jibrin was rescued.

Reinforcements were swiftly deployed as operatives intensified the pursuit through rugged terrain, eventually tracking the kidnappers to the Kweri Forest. Another intense exchange of gunfire followed, resulting in the successful rescue of the remaining three captives — Lukman Jibrin, Ibrahim Jibrin, and Abdussalam Idris — while the kidnappers fled with suspected bullet wounds.

Security forces subsequently overran and dismantled the bandits’ camp, denying them any opportunity to regroup. No casualties were recorded among the security personnel throughout the operations.

All rescued victims were evacuated to Bwari General Hospital for medical evaluation before being reunited with their families.

Authorities have urged residents to report any individual seen with suspected gunshot wounds to the nearest security formation, emphasizing the importance of timely intelligence in apprehending fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, the FCT Command has deployed additional security personnel along key routes and vulnerable corridors to prevent further criminal incursions, assuring residents of sustained offensive operations to dismantle criminal networks within the FCT and adjoining states.