Insecurity
Gunmen Invade Abuja Community, Abduct Custom Officer’s Spouse, Children
This led to a fierce gun duel as the hoodlums were overwhelmed by the firepower
Abuja, Nigeria – Gunmen reportedly invaded the Shagari Quarters in Dei-Dei, a suburb of Abuja, and abducted a customs officer’s wife, their three children, and a relative.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday, the assailants moved towards the Dawaki area of the city where another kidnap was recorded.
In a statement released by the FCT Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the kidnap attack in Dawaki.
“In an immediate and strategic response to a distress call on the attack by unknown gunmen in Dawaki on May 19, 2024, at about 11:30 AM, the operatives of the FCT police command led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth C. Igweh, himself, swiftly mobilised to the scene.
“Displaying remarkable bravery and coordination, the police, in synergy with local hunters, advanced on the assailants, tactically ambushing them at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape.
“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, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, reaffirms the command’s 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.
“Further development will be provided in due course.”
Recall that kidnappers have recently operated in the Bwari and Lugbe areas of the city, where no fewer than 17 persons were abducted in the separate attacks.
The Maitama area of the city also recorded a ‘targeted attack’, after a staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) was shot multiple times.
