The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the killing of two suspected bandits linked to a gang accused of terrorising communities within Abuja.

FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters. He said he personally led the joint security operation that led to the rescue of five abducted residents of Paze community in the Byazhin ward of Bwari Area Council.

The victims were kidnapped last Thursday during an attack on the community in which a local vigilante member, identified as Shuaibu Yerima, was shot dead. Among those abducted was a pastor.

According to the police commissioner, the rescue operation involved operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Kubwa Area Command, local hunters and vigilante groups.

Sanusi said the security team tracked the gang to its hideout and launched a coordinated clearance and rescue mission across Paze and neighbouring Byazhin communities at about 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

He disclosed that two suspects, identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, were arrested during a gun battle, while other members of the gang escaped into nearby hills.

The police also recovered two AK-47 rifles and magazines during the operation.

Sanusi confirmed that all five kidnapped victims were rescued safely and taken to a hospital for medical attention. He added that efforts were ongoing to reunite them with their families and track down the fleeing suspects.