Bandits in Military Uniform Abduct 20 in Abuja

In a brazen attack on Sunday evening, gunmen disguised in military uniforms raided the Dawaki community in Abuja, abducting at least 20 people. The assailants, estimated to be around 50 in number, stormed the densely populated neighborhood opposite Gwarinpa Estate, creating a wave of terror and confusion among residents.

Eyewitnesses described the attackers as heavily armed and highly organized. The assault began around 7:30 PM and lasted for an hour, during which the gunmen indiscriminately opened fire, causing chaos and panic. The assailants abducted 17 people from three houses and several others from the street near Fulani Junction. However, five of the abductees managed to escape during the ordeal.

A confrontation occurred near the Usuma Dam, where operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) engaged the bandits in a gunfight. Despite the intense exchange of fire, the gunmen escaped into the surrounding forest. Two of the attackers were reportedly captured.

Abel James, a resident who narrowly escaped abduction, recounted his harrowing experience, noting the attackers’ military attire and masks. He expressed skepticism about their authenticity when they began shooting sporadically.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, confirmed the incident and detailed the subsequent rescue operation. The police and military units pursued the assailants through the Ushafa-Shishipe area, resulting in a fierce battle that forced the bandits to flee, leaving behind some of their captives. The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical treatment.

This incident follows a recent attack in Shagari Quarters, Dei-Dei, where kidnappers abducted the family of a Customs officer. This alarming trend has prompted increased vigilance and concern among Abuja residents.

In response to the escalating threat, some local estates have begun arming their vigilante groups. Residents have expressed their support for this measure, citing the inadequacy of conventional police forces to provide timely and effective protection.

One resident, Abdullahi, mentioned seeing estate vigilantes equipped with firearms, a development he welcomed due to the rising insecurity. Similarly, Mr. Adeyemi, whose neighborhood was targeted, revealed that residents have been pooling funds to repair a police patrol vehicle, highlighting the community’s proactive stance in bolstering their security.

The resurgence of attacks around Abuja has reignited fears among residents, recalling the January 2 abduction of Mansur Al-Kadriyar and his six daughters, which led to the death of the eldest sibling and a series of subsequent kidnappings.

Community leaders and residents are calling on the government to take decisive action to combat these criminal elements and restore safety and security to the nation’s capital.