The FCT Police neutralized a notorious bandit in Kaduna during an anti-kidnapping operation. A gunfight ensued, forcing the gang to flee, while the suspect sustained fatal injuries from his own group.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the death of a suspected notorious bandit during a gunfight at Kwasau Forest in Kaduna State.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the suspect was neutralized in a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation aimed at countering kidnapping activities.

According to Ms. Adeh, the operation targeted a syndicate responsible for violent crimes along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway and within the FCT. She explained that acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits into the FCT on March 3, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led operatives to block their access routes.

Following meticulous tracking, the operatives successfully intercepted and arrested a suspect at Gidan Abe Forest while he was en route to Bwari Area Council in the FCT. Upon investigation, the suspect was identified as a notorious hitman working for bandit leaders operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State. These criminals were known for terrorizing communities along major highways, kidnapping unsuspecting victims, and demanding large ransoms.

Ms. Adeh further revealed that on March 4, at approximately 11:14 p.m., intelligence obtained from the arrested suspect led to a high-risk follow-up operation aimed at dismantling the gang. The suspect guided the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to Kwasau Forest in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where the syndicate had established a major hideout.

However, upon arrival, the police team was ambushed by armed bandits attempting to rescue their captured accomplice. A fierce gun battle ensued, with the operatives displaying superior tactical expertise and resilience.

The police spokesperson stated that the bandits were ultimately overpowered and forced to flee into the forest with severe gunshot wounds. During the crossfire, the arrested suspect sustained fatal gunshot injuries inflicted by his own gang members. He was immediately rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.