- Safiu Kehinde
A Police officer has been killed during a foiled kidnap attempt by armed gunmen in Abuja.
The officer had, alongside operatives attached to the Bwari Division’s Surveillance Team and the Inspector General Police (IGP) Special Intervention Squad (SIS), repelled a kidnapping attempt in Guto village, an outskirts community in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
As disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the armed attackers numbering over 30 had reportedly invaded the village at approximately 01:10am in an attempt to abduct a resident and his family.
In a swift response to the distress call received, the Bwari Division’s Surveillance Team, in conjunction with the IGP Special Intervention Squad (SIS), mobilised to the scene.
Upon sighting the Police team, the attackers opened fire, engaging the officers in a heated gun duel.
In the ensuing firefight, the Police team neutralized two of the assailants, while the remainder fled into the surrounding bushes and mountains for safety.
Tragically, one of the Police officer whose identity was not disclosed sustained a fatal gunshot injury during the exchange.
He was rushed to Bwari General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
The Command expressed deep regret over the loss as the officer, according to Adeh, paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
Meanwhile, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, has deployed additional personnel to the affected community to strengthen security in the area and normalcy has since been restored.
He has also ordered a detailed investigation to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended.