Operatives of the FCT Police Command attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, on Tuesday, September 9, neutralised the suspected leader of an armed robbery/kidnap gang, Umar Manu a.k.a Small, in a gun duel at Kurape Hills, foiling a planned attempt to launch another attack on Apo residents.
Thenewsbearer learnt the AKS operatives went for the suspected criminals based on credible intelligence that the gang had crossed from the Nasarawa forests into the FCT through Karshi forests, with plans to launch another deadly attack.
The gang was said to have been responsible for the armed attack at Zone E Extension, Apo Resettlement, on June 23, 2025.
The Command’s spokeswoman, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement, said that in a swift act, the operatives traced the gang members to their hideout at Kurape Hills, where they were planning a fresh operation.
“On sighting the police, the suspects opened fire, but the gallant officers engaged them in a fierce gun duel.
“The gang leader, identified as UMAR MANU aka “Small,” was neutralised, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
“Recovered from the scene were one AK-49 rifle with breech number A529, one AK-47 rifle with scratched out breech number, one AK-49 rifle with scratched out breech number, three magazines and 11 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
“During the exchange, the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and one other team member sustained minor injuries. Both officers have since been treated and discharged from the hospital,” the PPRO disclosed.
The Commissioner of Police, Adewale Ajao, commended the gallantry and professionalism of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, vowing to rid the FCT and its borders of all forms of violent crime.
In a stern warning, the CP declared that criminals who dare to test the resolve of the police will meet the same fate as the neutralized gang leader.
He further urged the public, particularly healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics, to promptly report anyone seeking medical attention with bullet wounds or suspicious injuries to the police through the Command’s emergency lines 08032003913 or 08028940883.
