The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has repelled a kidnapping attempt in Guto village, Bwari Area Council, during a midnight operation that left one police officer dead.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, armed attackers—estimated at about 30—invaded the community around 1:10 a.m. on November 20, attempting to abduct a resident and his family. A distress call was immediately relayed to the Command.

The Bwari Division’s Surveillance Team, supported by the IGP Special Intervention Squad (SIS), mobilised to the scene and confronted the gunmen. On sighting the officers, the attackers opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange.

Police operatives “neutralized two of the assailants,” while the others fled into nearby bushes and mountainous terrain, the statement said.

However, one police officer sustained a gunshot wound during the confrontation and was taken to Bwari General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead. The Command described his death as “the supreme price in the line of duty.”

FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, has deployed additional security personnel to the area and assured residents that normalcy has been restored. He also ordered a thorough investigation to track down the fleeing suspects.

The statement was signed by SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command.