Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have thwarted an attempted kidnapping targeting two police officers and a cleric in Abuja, forcing the attackers to flee with suspected gunshot injuries.
The intended victims, DSP Gabriel Tanko of the Force Intelligence Department and his wife, Mrs. Jummai Tanko of Zone 7 Headquarters, were targeted by armed bandits who attempted to invade their residence at Aco Phase 2 along GAU Road in the early hours of Monday.
Security sources told Akelicious that the incident occurred between 12:00 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on November 10, following credible intelligence that the armed group had concluded plans to abduct the officers.
Acting on the intelligence, the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit deployed a tactical team to set up an ambush across the hilly terrain behind the residence.
“At about 1:02 a.m., the hoodlums, numbering several, approached the house,” the police source said. A gun duel ensued and lasted about 15 minutes before the suspects were overpowered. They escaped into the bush with possible bullet wounds.
Police recovered an AK-47 magazine containing 15 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition at the scene.
The couple was immediately evacuated to safety, while officers reassured residents who panicked during the gunfire exchange.
Security presence was also reinforced around the residence of a cleric near ECWA Church in the same axis, believed to be another potential target of the attackers.
Follow-up patrols involving hunters, vigilantes and other security agencies are ongoing across the area.
The police advised residents and medical facilities to immediately report any individual found with bullet injuries to the nearest station.
The FCT Police Command says efforts are underway to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activity in the area.
