Police Kill Suspected Gang Leader in FCT Gun Battle, Recover Rifles

A suspected armed robbery and kidnapping kingpin, identified as Umar Manu, popularly known as “Small,” has been shot dead during a gunfight with police operatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The incident, which took place on Tuesday, September 9, at Kurape Hills, was disclosed in a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh. She explained that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed the hideout after receiving intelligence that the gang was planning another attack, having crossed into the FCT from the Karshi forests.

According to the statement, the suspects opened fire on sighting the officers, prompting a fierce exchange that left the gang leader dead, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.

Recovered from the scene were two AK-49 rifles, one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and eleven rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. Police noted that two of the rifles had their serial numbers deliberately scratched off.

The statement also confirmed that the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and one other officer sustained minor injuries during the gun battle. Both have since been treated and discharged from hospital.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao S. Adewale, commended the operatives for what he described as gallantry and professionalism. He warned that armed groups who test the resolve of the police “will meet the same fate as the neutralized gang leader.”

The police urged the public, especially hospitals and clinics, to immediately report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries.

The operation was a follow-up to the foiled armed robbery at Zone E Extension, Apo Resettlement, on June 23, 2025.