A fierce gunfight between suspected kidnappers and security operatives in the Kpaduma area of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on Monday night left one vigilante dead and another injured.

The incident occurred around 10:47 pm when armed kidnappers stormed the community in an attempt to abduct residents. Alerted by gunshots, local vigilantes quickly joined forces with anti-kidnap police operatives to repel the attackers.

Following a heavy exchange of gunfire, the kidnappers reportedly abandoned their targets and fled the scene. However, two vigilantes were shot during the confrontation. One died on the spot, while the other was rushed to the National Hospital, Abuja, where he is receiving treatment.

Confirming the incident, FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Adeh Josephine, said the command received a distress call around 9:15 pm, and the Commissioner of Police, Saka Ajao Adewale, personally led a tactical response team to the area.

According to her, the kidnappers attempted to escape by using two female residents as human shields, but the women were later rescued unharmed.

“On sighting the police team, the assailants opened fire, using two female victims as human shields to escape. While the police team continued to engage them in a fierce battle, the two female victims were successfully rescued unhurt.
Regrettably, two local security operatives sustained gunshot injuries. They were immediately evacuated to the National Hospital, where one was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, while the other is responding to treatment,” Josephine said.

The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery of the officers and vigilantes and extended condolences to the family of the deceased.