The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has thwarted a kidnapping attempt in Guto, a border village in Bwari Area Council, during a late-night operation that left one police officer dead and two suspected criminals neutralised.
The attack occurred at about 1:10 a.m. on Wednesday, when the Command received a distress call that about 30 heavily armed men had invaded the community and were attempting to abduct a resident and members of his family.
According to Josephine Adeh, FCT Police spokesperson in a statement on Thursday, operatives from the Bwari Division’s Surveillance Team and the Inspector-General of Police Special Intervention Squad (SIS) immediately mobilised to the scene, engaging the gunmen in a fierce exchange of fire.
According to the Command, the armed criminals opened fire on the officers upon sighting them, having already tried to force their way into the targeted home.
The security operatives responded with “precision and superior firepower,” leading to the death of two suspects while others fled into the nearby bushes and mountainous terrain.
“Tragically, one police officer sustained a fatal gunshot wound during the confrontation.
“He was rushed to Bwari General Hospital, where a medical practitioner confirmed him dead”, the statement read.
Miller Dantawaye, Commissioner of Police, praised the officers for their swift and courageous response, describing the fallen policeman as a hero who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
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He extended condolences to the officer’s family, colleagues and loved ones, noting that the Command remained resolute in its commitment to ridding the territory of criminal elements.
Dantawaye also commended the vigilance of residents, urging communities to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities.
The Command reiterated the availability of its emergency hotlines: 08032003913 and 08068587311.
