By Queen Kunde
Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Victor Olaiya, has applauded the swift and courageous response of operatives of the FCT Police Command who foiled a kidnapping attempt in Guto village, Bwari Area Council, in the early hours of Thursday.
Olaiya described the officers’ action as “gallant, timely, and exemplary,” noting that their bravery averted what could have been a tragic mass abduction.
According to police authorities, the Command received a distress call at about 1:10 a.m. after a group of about thirty armed criminals invaded the remote community and attempted to abduct a resident and his family. Responding with urgency, the Bwari Division Surveillance Team and the IGP Special Intervention Squad (SIS) mobilised to the scene.
On sighting the officers, the attackers opened fire, triggering a fierce gun duel. Two of the assailants were neutralised, while the others fled into the rocky terrain surrounding the village.
The operation, however, came at a painful cost. One police officer sustained a fatal gunshot wound during the exchange and was confirmed dead at Bwari General Hospital.
A deeply saddened AIG Olaiya extended heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased officer, praising him as a hero who “paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.”
He further commended FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, for promptly deploying reinforcements to stabilise the area and restore calm. The AIG directed that manhunt operations be intensified to ensure the fleeing suspects are arrested and brought to justice.
Reassuring residents, Olaiya reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the FCT and its environs.
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