Suspected bandit killed, police officer injured in gun battle

In a forest located in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, a suspected bandit named Musbahu Ishak was killed and a police officer sustained gunshot wounds during an encounter with suspected members of a criminal gang. The incident occurred near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, announced these developments during a press conference at the command headquarters in Abuja.

Ishak was apprehended after the recovery of two AK-47 rifles from an underground hideout. Sanusi revealed that during the investigation, the suspect guided the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to the hideout where gang members allegedly concealed their firearms. The police team was ambushed while returning to the forest with the recovered weapons and Ishak in custody, leading to a gun battle.

Both Ishak and the injured officer were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, but Ishak tragically died from his injuries. Two suspects, identified as Okwudili Benjamin and Chinedu Mbaka, were apprehended on September 20, 2026, after a Toyota Camry was intercepted on the Goodluck Jonathan Expressway. The vehicle, a 2000 model, was found to contain nine Android phones, pliers, a wheel lock, and other exhibits.

Further investigations revealed that Benjamin had been arrested by the command for a similar crime in 2023. The suspects are currently in custody and will face court proceedings following the completion of investigations.