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

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