Fresh concerns over worsening insecurity have emerged after deadly terrorist attacks in Kogi State and parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), highlighting the growing reach of armed groups across central Nigeria.
In Abuja, security operatives killed two suspected terrorists and rescued five kidnapped residents during a joint operation in Bwari Area Council, following an attack on Paze community in Byazhin Ward.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, said the operation was launched after gunmen abducted five residents, including a pastor, during a raid on the community. A local vigilante member, Shuaibu Yerima, was also shot dead in the attack.
According to Sanusi, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the Kubwa Area Command, local hunters and vigilantes carried out an intensive rescue mission across Paze and neighbouring communities.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, identified as Abubakar Usman and Icheh Mohammadu, while other members of the gang reportedly escaped into surrounding hills.
Security operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles and magazines during the raid. Police said two gang members were neutralised during an exchange of gunfire, while the five abducted victims were rescued alive and taken for medical treatment.
Authorities have since intensified search operations across the area and neighbouring communities in a bid to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network behind the attacks.
The latest incident comes amid heightened tension in Kogi State, where armed attackers recently stormed Iluke Bunu community, killing Government Secondary School Vice Principal Gani Anifowose and leaving residents gripped by fear.
As security concerns continue to spread from Kogi into communities on the outskirts of Abuja, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has accused political opponents of exploiting insecurity to paint a negative picture of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that the government remains committed to tackling the nation’s security challenges.
