Tension rocked the Apo-Waru axis of Abuja on Wednesday, July 24, as a police officer lost his life in a fierce gunfight between operatives of the FCT Police Command and suspected cultists in Bakassi Yimitu Village.
The operation was launched after repeated complaints from residents about rising criminal activities in the area. Acting on these reports, a joint task force made up of police officers, local vigilantes, and hunters stormed the community to conduct a crime prevention patrol.
However, what started as a routine mission quickly escalated into chaos when the team encountered a gathering believed to be the cult group. On spotting the security operatives, the suspects opened fire, triggering a gun battle.
By the end of the confrontation, 19 suspects were arrested and detained at the Waru Police Outstation. Unfortunately, the clash claimed the lives of one brave police officer and a local vigilante, both of whom succumbed to injuries sustained during the shootout.
In a disturbing twist, the escaped gang members regrouped and launched a retaliatory attack on the Waru Police Outstation in a bid to free their arrested comrades. The attackers vandalized parts of the station, destroyed three police patrol Hilux vehicles, and damaged six privately owned cars parked within the premises.
Thanks to swift reinforcement from the police, the situation was quickly brought under control, and the attackers were repelled.
Confirming the incident, FCT Police spokesperson CSP Josephine Adeh said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, strongly condemned the violent attacks and vowed that justice will be served.
"No attack on our personnel or facilities will be tolerated. We will not rest until every last member of this criminal syndicate is arrested and prosecuted," the CP assured.
The FCT Police Command is urging all residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.
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