One killed as police stop Abuja kidnapping, save four

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has rescued four people taken during a kidnapping in the Yellow House area of Mpape, Abuja. This happened after a shootout with suspected kidnappers in the Jikoko Hills.

Sadly, one resident was killed in the attack. Another person, who was shot, is getting treatment in the hospital.

The police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, shared this information in a statement released in Abuja on Friday.

The incident happened around 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday. The police got a distress call that armed kidnappers had invaded the Yellow House area of Mpape and taken four residents.

After the report, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Sanusi, quickly sent operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, as well as officers from the Katampe and Mpape Divisions and the 24 Police Mobile Force Squadron to rescue the victims.

Adeh explained that initial investigations showed that the attackers shot two residents before escaping with four hostages through the Jikoko Hills towards Ushafa Forest.

"Upon their arrival, preliminary findings revealed that the assailants had shot two victims before fleeing the scene. It was also discovered that the assailants had taken four other victims hostage from a nearby area whom they forcefully marched through Jikoko Hills towards Ushafa Forest," she said.

She added that the injured victims were taken to a hospital. One of them, known only as Mr. Babangida, was confirmed dead, while the second victim, who was shot in the leg, is responding well to treatment.

The police team pursued the kidnappers from the night of the attack until the early hours of Friday. They found the suspects near Jikoko Hills around 12:05 a.m.

Adeh said, "The operatives maintained relentless pursuit of the kidnappers from the night of the incident till Friday, 10th July, 2026, when they located the kidnappers at approximately 12:05 a.m. around Jikoko Hills heading towards Ushafa Forest with the hostages."

The kidnappers fired at the police team when they saw them, leading to a fierce gunfight.

"Demonstrating superior tactical capability, the operatives overwhelmed the suspects, forcing them to abandon the hostages and flee deeper into the surrounding hills and forest in a desperate attempt to evade arrest," Adeh stated.

She confirmed that all four abducted victims were rescued unharmed. They were evacuated from the forest and reunited with their families.

The spokesperson added that security operatives are still searching for the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police assured residents that the command is dedicated to catching those behind the attack and bringing them to justice.

"He further urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest Police Station or through the FCT Police Command emergency lines," the statement concluded.