Officer killed as police foil kidnapping attempt in FCT

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command on Thursday said its operatives stopped an attempted kidnapping in Guto Village, a border community in Bwari Area Council.

The armed men, numbering about 30, reportedly invaded the community and attempted to force their way into a residence.

A statement by the command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said police operatives from the Bwari Division Surveillance Team and the IGP Special Intervention Squad were deployed to the area.

She added that the attackers opened fire upon sighting the security teams, leading to a gun duel in which two suspects were killed while others escaped into nearby bushes.

The statement partly read: “The FCT Police Command has successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt in Guto Village, a border community in Bwari Area Council, in the early hours of Wednesday, 20th November 2025.

“At about 1:10 a.m., the Command received a distress call reporting that heavily armed criminals, numbering about 30, had invaded the community with the intent to abduct a resident and members of his family.

“In a swift and coordinated response, operatives of Bwari Division’s Surveillance Team and the IGP Special Intervention Squad immediately mobilized to the scene.

“Upon sighting the responding police teams, the attackers, who had already attempted to forcefully enter the targeted residence, opened fire. The gallant officers engaged the assailants with precision and superior firepower, resulting in a fierce gun duel. Two of the criminals were neutralized, while the remaining fled into the surrounding bushes and mountainous terrain.”

Adeh added that one police officer sustained a gunshot injury during the exchange and was taken to Bwari General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

She said, “Tragically, one police officer sustained a fatal gunshot injury during the exchange and was rushed to Bwari General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical practitioner. The Command deeply regrets this loss.

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“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, commends the exceptional gallantry, swift response, and professionalism displayed by the operatives during the operation.

“He extends heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the fallen officer, describing him as a courageous hero who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. The CP further assures that the Command will continue to intensify operations to rid the FCT of criminal elements.

“He also appreciates the vigilance of Guto residents and urges all FCT communities to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements or emergencies using the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08068587311.”

Bwari Area Council has been one of the FCT’s most security-challenged corridors, with several communities experiencing various forms of insecurity.

The attempted kidnapping in Guto is the latest in a series of incidents highlighting the security pressures facing communities on the outskirts of the capital.