The police command in Abuja has foiled a kidnap attempt and recovered an AK-47 rifle in the Redeemed Church area of Byazhin, near Paze hills in Abuja.

In a statement on Friday, the police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that an anti-kidnapping unit acted on intelligence reports of suspected kidnappers. 

“On Thursday, June 4, 2026, at approximately 12:34 a.m., operatives of the FCT police command attached to the command’s anti-kidnapping unit, acting on intelligence reports indicating the presence of suspected kidnappers around the Redeemed Church area of Byazhin, near Paze Hills, swiftly mobilised to the location in a coordinated response led by the officer commanding the anti-kidnapping unit,” she said.

The armed suspects were attempting to forcibly enter a house to abduct the occupants, but “upon sighting the police team, the suspects opened fire, prompting a decisive response from the police team”.

The statement added, “A fierce gun battle ensued for over thirty minutes, during which the police operatives successfully repelled the attackers and foiled the kidnapping attempt.” 

It said the suspects fled into the surrounding bushes with gunshot wounds. The police recovered an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine and seven rounds of live ammunition at the scene.

“The intended victim, identified as Mr Samson and his wife, were rescued unharmed and evacuated to safety. They were subsequently taken to General Hospital, Gwarinpa, where they received medical attention for trauma-related distress before being placed under protective custody,” said Ms Adeh.

She urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to aid security agencies in anti-crime operations.