By Sarah NEGEDU
A police operation in the early hours of Wednesday, foiled a kidnapping attempt in Guto, a border community in Bwari Area Council, but left one officer dead after a fierce gun battle.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the attack which occurred at about 1:10 a.m. when about 30 heavily armed men stormed the community and attempted to break into a residence to abduct a man and his family.
She said operatives from Bwari Division’s Surveillance Team and the IGP Special Intervention Squad, SIS, responded immediately after receiving a distress call. Adeh stated that the attackers opened fire upon sighting the responding teams, leading to a gun duel that left two of the gunmen neutralised while others escaped into nearby bushes and mountainous terrain.
She added that one of the officers sustained a gunshot wound during the confrontation and was rushed to Bwari General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, praised the officers for their conduct during the operation. “He 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.”
Adeh also quoted the CP as assuring residents that operations would be intensified to rid the territory of criminal elements. “The CP further assures that the Command will continue to intensify operations to rid the FCT of criminal elements.”
She added that the Command appreciated the vigilance of locals. “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.”
