Armed bandits storm Gidan-Bijimi, abduct seven residents in FCT

Armed bandits storm Gidan-Bijimi, abduct seven residents in FCT

Barely a week after a police officer was killed in Guto, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has once again come under attack, with bandits abducting six girls and a 16-year-old boy during a late-night raid on Gidan-Bijimi, a settlement in Kawu Ward, Bwari Area Council.

The attack occurred around 9:47 p.m. on Wednesday when armed men wielding AK-47 rifles stormed two homes, firing into the air before escaping with their victims. Gidan-Bijimi, which lies near Marke village and borders Kaduna State, sits close to the Gidan Dogo and Kweti forests, known hideouts and transit routes for criminal gangs along the FCT–Kaduna corridor.

A resident, Suleiman Shuaibu, confirmed that the abducted girls were aged between 17 and 23, adding that his cousin was among the victims. He said local vigilance groups attempted to confront the attackers but withdrew due to their superior firepower. Many residents fled into nearby bushes or stayed indoors until morning. As of Thursday, the kidnappers had not contacted the victims, and the FCT Police Command had yet to officially confirm the incident.

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The abduction follows a recent attack in Guto, where about 30 gunmen attempted to kidnap a family, resulting in two attackers killed and one police officer losing his life. The series of incidents has heightened fears over the worsening security situation in Bwari Area Council and communities bordering Kaduna and Niger states.

In response, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced enhanced security measures after an expanded meeting of the FCT Security Council, chaired by Minister Nyesom Wike. FCT Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye said Operation Sweep, a multi-agency security initiative, has been fully activated. The operation now covers four major sectors, including Gwagwalada, Bwari, and key corridors stretching from Berger and Wuse through Karu, Mararaba, Karshi, and Orozo.

The commissioner confirmed that the minister had provided “adequate logistics” for joint deployment of personnel from the police, military, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, Immigration Service, and Correctional Service.

Despite these measures, Wednesday night’s abduction underscores the vulnerability of remote communities and the increasing audacity of criminal gangs targeting the capital. Residents have appealed for urgent action to rescue the victims and prevent further attacks, warning of a “slide into daily terror” if immediate interventions are not sustained.

Armed bandits storm Gidan-Bijimi, abduct seven residents in FCT