Foiled kidnap attempt on police couple, cleric in Abuja — suspects escape with bullet wounds

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have foiled an attempted kidnapping of two police officers and a cleric in Abuja.

The officers DSP Gabriel Tanko, attached to the Force Intelligence Department, and his wife, Mrs. Jummai Tanko, serving at Zone 7 Headquarters were targeted by suspected bandits who attempted to invade their residence at Aco Phase 2 along GAU Road in the early hours of Monday.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred between 12:00 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 10 after intelligence indicated that the armed group had concluded plans to abduct the couple.

Acting on the intelligence, the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led a tactical team to lay an ambush around the hilly terrain behind the targeted residence.

“At about 1:02 a.m., the hoodlums, numbering several, approached the house,” the police source said. A gun battle ensued and lasted about 15 minutes. The team overpowered the suspects who fled with possible bullet injuries,” the source added.

Police recovered one AK-47 magazine loaded with 15 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition at the scene.

The couple was immediately evacuated to a safe location, while residents of the neighbourhood who panicked during the exchange of gunfire were reassured of their safety.

The FCT Police Command also reinforced security around the residence of a cleric near ECWA Church in the same axis, which was believed to be among potential targets.

Follow-up patrols are being conducted in collaboration with hunters, vigilantes and other security operatives.

Residents and medical facilities have been advised to report anyone found with bullet wounds to the nearest police station.

The police said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.

Foiled kidnap attempt on police couple, cleric in Abuja — suspects escape with bullet wounds

Kidnappers abduct young man in Abuja estate, shoot fiancée

By: Zagazola Makama

Gunmen have abducted a young man during an attack on a private residence at Leisure Court Phase 1 Estate, located under Aco Division in Abuja.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at about 12:01 a.m., when the attackers gained access into the residence of Mr. Olusoji Litan on Mike Ekere Street.

Sources said the gunmen kidnapped Mr. Litan’s son, Oladeji Emmanuel, who had just arrived Abuja to visit his parents on Friday, Nov. 9.

During the attack, Emmanuel’s fiancée, identified as Amanda, sustained gunshot injuries on both thighs.

Following a distress call received at about 12:25 a.m. from the Chief Security Officer of the estate, police patrol teams, working with hunters and vigilantes, were deployed to the scene.

Three expended 7.62mm ammunition shells were recovered from the compound.

Amanda was immediately evacuated to Lawrence Margaret Teaching Hospital, River Park Estate, where she is receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

Sources said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing kidnappers and rescue the victim.

The case is being handled by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

Kidnappers abduct young man in Abuja estate, shoot fiancée

Eight police officers hospitalised in Kogi, others discharged lone accident

By: Zagazola Makama

Eight police officers deployed from Kogi State to Anambra for the upcoming 2025 governorship election are currently receiving medical treatment following a lone accident involving their vehicle along a highway in Kogi.

The accident, which occurred earlier on Monday, involved personnel of the Kogi State Police Command assigned as part of the security contingent for the election in Anambra.

Sources said that the injured officers Insp. George Nkoyo, Insp. Edith Kechere, Insp. Bright Emmanuel, Insp. Ogudele Adeola, Insp. Ibrahim Fatima, Insp. James Ifeoma, Insp. Dansuma Hassan and Insp. Hope Samuel is currently on admission at the State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja.

Sources said the officers are responding to treatment and are in stable condition.

The sources added that several others who sustained minor injuries have been treated and discharged. Those discharged include Insp. Abdullahi Mariam, Insp. Amodu Latama, Insp. Ameh John, Insp. Christina Shiaka, Insp. Owonari Kuriyatu, Sgt. Ochogwu Godwill, Cpl. Joy Akanya and PC Joy Samuel.

“The Command is monitoring the situation closely, and further developments will be communicated,” the sources stated.

The sources reaffirmed the commitment of the Kogi Police Command to ensuring adequate security deployment to Anambra State for the forthcoming election.

Eight police officers hospitalised in Kogi, others discharged lone accident