A police officer and a vigilante member were reportedly injured during a gun battle between security operatives and suspected cultists in the Apo-Waru area of Abuja.
The confrontation, which occurred on Tuesday night, sparked panic among residents after the cult gang opened fire and attempted to overrun the police outpost in Waru.
According to the FCT Police Command, the gang members had earlier engaged the police in a shootout at their hideout before launching an attack on the station in retaliation.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh, said operatives from the Anti-Violent Crimes Section of the SCID, backed by local vigilantes, had stormed the criminals’ hideout following intelligence reports. Nineteen suspects were eventually arrested.
“In the process, some of the hoodlums escaped with bullet wounds. The arrested suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” CP Igweh said.
Eyewitnesses said bullets flew indiscriminately, forcing many residents to lie on the floor in fear. “It was like a war zone. We heard gunshots and screams,” a resident recounted.
The injured officer and vigilante member are said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The police have called on the public to report anyone with gunshot wounds and remain vigilant, assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to rid the area of criminal gangs.
