The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Commissioner, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, on Wednesday disclosed that two bandits belonging to a gang that have been terrorizing the capital city have been shot dead.

Sanusi disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Command on Wednesday, said he led the operation that resulted in their deaths.

The gang was trailed over the abduction of five residents of Paze community in Byazhin ward of Bwari Area Council last week.

Bandits had kidnapped five people including a pastor, while a local vigilante member identified as Shuaibu Yerima was shot dead during an invasion of Paze community on Thursday.

But the police boss said the kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation involving a team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the NPF Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.

The operation reportedly led to the arrest of suspects identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members reportedly fled into nearby hills.

“And during the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines, while two of the gang members were arrested during the crossfire,” he said.

He said it was at approximately 9:00 p:m on Tuesday, when he led the joint security team to launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities.

CP Sanusi said the five rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families

The Nigerian Army says troops of 82 Division Garrison, operating under Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, Enugu State Command, have achieved a significant operational success in the ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity II.

According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayani,

Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, the operation was in an effort to consolidate the peace building process in the South East.  

According to the statement, acting on credible intelligence derived from previously arrested suspects affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, security forces conducted a precision follow-up operation in Gariki, Enugu South Local Government Area.

“Troops uncovered a clandestine arms hideout concealed within a zinc structure disguised as a piggery. A thorough exploitation of the site led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition.

“These include General Purpose Machine Guns, RPG-7 launcher tube, AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, tear gas gun with cartridges, AK-47 magazines, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 478 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.  

“All recovered items and arrested suspects have been handed over to the DSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and appropriate legal action,” the statement said.

It said that the intelligence-driven operation underscores the effective interagency collaboration in the region, resulting in proactive measures to counter threats to national unity and public safety.

“It also reflects the Operation UDO KA’s unwavering commitment to sustaining offensive actions against criminal and terrorist networks that undermine peace in the region,” it said.

The statement added that Operation UDO KA reaffirmed its dedication to protecting citizens and preserving national sovereignty.

It encouraged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces, thereby enhancing collective efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the South East.  

The Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Debo Farounbi, has been abducted by gunmen following an attack on Ora community, a border town along the Osun-Kwara boundary.

The incident was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, who disclosed that Farounbi was abducted and that security operatives had launched efforts to rescue him.

According to information gathered by residents, the attackers invaded the community at about 10 p.m, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.

Residents alleged that four people were initially abducted by the gunmen, including Farounbi. However, local volunteers and security personnel reportedly engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon three of the victims.

A resident, who spoke, said the gunmen eventually escaped with the local government vice chairman.

“Four people, including the Ifedayo Local Government Vice Chairman, were taken away. But the resistance from security personnel forced them to abandon three of the victims. They went away with Farounbi,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, Ojelabi said security operatives responded immediately after receiving information about the attack.

“One person was abducted. He is a local government vice chairman, Hon. Debo Farounbi. Immediately the incident happened, the military, police and others responded. Efforts are in place to rescue the man,” Ojelabi said.

The police spokesperson added that investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The latest attack is reported to be the third abduction-related incident recorded in the community within the last seven months.