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Tag: Abuja Gunmen

  • Police confirm invasion of Abuja estate by gunmen

    Police confirm invasion of Abuja estate by gunmen

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the invasion of Efab Global Estate in the Idu Industrial Area of Abuja by gunmen on Wednesday.

    The gunmen numbering over 20 left at least five security guards of the estate injured and subsequently robbed multiple homes.

    According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen stormed the estate in a coordinated attack at midnight on Wednesday, shooting sporadically to create panic.

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    A resident of the estate who pleaded anonymity said the attackers overwhelmed the estate’s security personnel, macheting five guards before proceeding to rob six targeted homes.

    The resident added that during the siege, the heavily armed criminals carted away cash, mobile phones, jewelry, and other valuables.

    She said; “We were woken by the sound of gunshots and screams. It was terrifying. The gunmen were over 20 and overpowered our security guards. They macheted five of our security guards. The criminals stole cash, mobile phones, jewelry and other valuables.

    “In some cases, victims were coerced into transferring money to designated accounts under duress.”

    A message by the estate security committee also stated they laid siege to the estate and shot randomly.

    Confirming the incident, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josphine Adeh said investigations had commenced to track and apprehend the gunmen.

    Adeh said during the incident, the assailants tied up two security personnel and inflicted injuries on one, who was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) for medical attention and is currently in stable condition.

    She said the robbers dispossessed residents of laptops, mobile phones, and other valuables.

    Upon receipt of the distress call, the police spokesperson said Area Commander Life Camp, ACP Harrison Oruruo, swiftly led a tactical response team to the scene, adding that unfortunately, the suspects had fled the location before the distress call was made to the Police.

    A statement issued on Friday by Adeh said; “The FCT Police Command wishes to address and clarify a recent incident that has generated concern within the public domain, particularly regarding misleading reports suggesting that over 40 hoodlums invaded Efab Global Estate, Idu, injuring five security guards as Police delay response.

    “Contrary to these exaggerated claims, the Command confirms that a case of armed robbery was reported at about 04:05 AM on 21st May, 2025, when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Life Camp Division received a distress call concerning a robbery incident which had taken place in Efab Global Estate Idu. The report indicated that some armed robbers had gained unauthorised entry into the estate through the rear perimeter fence.

    “In response to this incident, security measures have been reinforced around the estate in collaboration with vigilante groups and community stakeholders. An active investigation is ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent a recurrence”.

    She said the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao Adewale has urged residents and estate management committees to ensure proper vetting and profiling of private security personnel and domestic staff.

    “He also emphasises the importance of working in synergy with Divisional Police Officers to enhance security architecture within residential communities.

    “He enjoins members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and always report any suspicious activity promptly to the Command via the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883. 07057337653, Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192. Together, we can keep our communities safe”, adeh added.

  • Gunmen kidnap expectant mother, three others in Abuja

    Gunmen kidnap expectant mother, three others in Abuja

    Gunmen numbering 10 abducted the family of a senior customs officer on Sunday.

    According to eyewitnesses, the bandits arrived at the residence of the Customs officer in Shagari Quarters, Dei-Dei, about 11:30am. 

    They abducted the officer’s wife, who is pregnant, three of his children, and a younger brother.

    The officer, who was not at home during the attack, had worked with the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and had enjoyed police protection of tion.

    However, the protection was withdrawn after his deployment to Lagos, leaving his family vulnerable to the attack.

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    Sources claimed the bandits spent over two hours in the premises before proceeding to the neighboring Dakwa community, where they attempted to attack some houses but were repelled by security operatives.

    The gunmen later released the pregnant woman, but took the children and the younger brother with them.

    However, in a contradictory statement, the FCT Police Command claimed that the kidnapping was foiled.

    But sources close to the family revealed that, in reality, the children and the younger brother are still in captivity.

    Despite this discrepancy, the police maintained their stance, with the FCT Police Command Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, issuing a statement on Monday that read in part: “In an immediate and strategic response to a distress call on the attack by unknown gunmen in Dawaki on May 19, 2024, at around 11:30am, the operatives of the FCT police command led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth C. Igweh, himself, swiftly mobilised to the scene.

    “Displaying remarkable bravery and coordination, the police, in synergy with local hunters, advanced on the assailants, tactically ambushing them at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape. This led to a fierce gun duel as the hoodlums were overwhelmed by the firepower of the operatives, forcing them to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullet injuries, and the victims were rescued.

    “While one of the rescued victims is still in the hospital receiving medical attention, the commissioner of police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, reaffirms the command’s steadfast dedication to maintaining peace and security in the Territory, as search operations are ongoing to rescue other hostages who fled the scene during the shootout.”

    The attack has raised concerns about the security situation in the FCT, particularly in the Dei-Dei area, which has witnessed several kidnappings in recent times. Residents have called on the government to take urgent action to address the security challenges in the area.

    The traditional ruler of Dakwa, Dr. Alhassan Musa Babachukuri, lamented the activities of the bandits, who he said have created a base behind the Zuma Rock in Chachi community near Dakwa in neighboring Niger State.

    He called on the government to take serious action against the bandits before they escalate their activities.

    The police have launched an investigation into the incident and have assured residents of their commitment to ensuring their safety and security.

    Residents of the area are still apprehensive over the incident.