The Federal Capital Territory Police Command on Thursday said its officers stopped a kidnap attempt in Guto Village, a border community in Bwari Area Council.
Armed men, about 30 in number, were said to have invaded the area and tried to break into a home.
The command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said officers from the Bwari Division Surveillance Team and the IGP Special Intervention Squad were deployed to the scene.
She said the attackers opened fire when they saw the security teams, which led to a gun battle. Two suspects were killed while others ran into nearby bushes.
The statement said, “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 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 was hit by a bullet during the exchange and was rushed 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.
“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 faced several security issues in recent years. The attempted kidnapping in Guto adds to concerns in communities around the outskirts of the capital.
