By Gabriel Ameh
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully repelled a major kidnapping attempt in Guto village, an outskirts community in Bwari Area Council, but lost one officer in the fierce gun battle that ensued in the early hours of Wednesday, November 20, 2025.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the incident occurred at approximately 1:10 a.m. when the command received a distress call that armed attackers, numbering about 30, had invaded the community in an attempt to abduct a resident and his family.
Responding immediately to the distress call, the Bwari Division’s Surveillance Team, working in conjunction with the Inspector-General of Police Special Intervention Squad (SIS), mobilized to the scene.
Upon sighting the police team, the attackers opened fire, triggering a heated gun duel. The officers responded with what the command described as “superior firepower,” engaging the heavily armed gang in an exchange that would ultimately save the targeted family but claim the life of one brave officer.
In the ensuing firefight, the police team neutralized two of the assailants, while the remainder of the gang fled into the surrounding bushes and mountains for safety.
Tragically, one police officer sustained a fatal gunshot injury during the exchange. He was immediately rushed to Bwari General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
“The Command deeply regrets this loss, as the officer paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” SP Adeh stated in the press release, acknowledging the ultimate sacrifice made by the fallen officer in protecting citizens from criminal elements.
The identity of the deceased officer has not yet been released, pending notification of family members.
In response to the attack, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, has deployed additional personnel to the affected community to strengthen security in the area. According to the command, normalcy has since been restored to Guto village and surrounding communities.
CP Dantawaye has also ordered a detailed investigation to ensure the perpetrators who escaped are apprehended and brought to justice.
