Zone 7 AIG Hails FCT Police Command for Foiling Bwari Kidnap Bid, Mourns Officer Killed in Gun Battle.
By Raymond Enoch
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Victor Olaiya, has lauded the gallant performance of officers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command for foiling a large–scale kidnapping attempt in Guto village, a border community in Bwari Area Council, in the early hours of Wednesday, 20 November 2025.
According to a press statement signed by ASP Mohammed Halima, Police Public Relations Officer, for the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, the incident occurred at about 1:10 a.m. when the Command received a distress call that about 30 heavily armed criminals had invaded the quiet community and were attempting to abduct a resident and his family.
In a swift and coordinated response, the Bwari Division Surveillance Team, backed by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Special Intervention Squad (SIS), mobilised to the scene. On sighting the approaching police team, the hoodlums opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Police operatives, deploying what was described as superior firepower and tactical advantage, neutralised two of the assailants on the spot, forcing the others to flee into the surrounding bushes and mountainous terrain.
However, the successful operation came at a painful cost. One police officer sustained a fatal gunshot wound during the confrontation. He was rushed to Bwari General Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead.
A deeply saddened AIG Olaiya paid tribute to the fallen officer, whom he described as a brave patriot who paid the supreme price in defence of citizens. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased officer’s family, colleagues and friends, assuring them that his sacrifice would not be in vain.
The Zone 7 Police Chief also commended the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc, for his prompt and strategic reinforcement of security in the area following the attack. Additional personnel were immediately deployed to Guto and its environs to restore calm, reassure residents and prevent any possible reprisal or renewed incursion by criminal elements.
AIG Olaiya further directed that all necessary investigative and intelligence–driven actions be intensified to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle any kidnapping cells operating within the Bwari axis and other parts of the FCT.
He reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly within Zone 7, to safeguarding lives and property across the FCT and neighbouring communities. He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative by promptly reporting suspicious movements or persons to security agencies.
