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ABUJA, July 5, 2026 – Fresh concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have emerged following the killing of a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) during a midnight gun battle with suspected bandits near Rock Garden City Estate, popularly known as Dangbana, in Jikwoyi.

The incident, which reportedly occurred between about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, also involved the escape of the attackers with ransom money allegedly meant for the release of a kidnapped victim.

Residents said the gunmen had earlier abducted two women from Phase 4, Jikwoyi, and taken them towards the rocky terrain near City College, an area suspected to be one of the hideouts used by criminal gangs operating in the axis.

According to community sources, the abductors later contacted the victims’ families and demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for their release.

One of the victims was reportedly freed after her relatives successfully delivered ransom to the kidnappers before the deadly confrontation that followed.

However, a second group carrying money for the release of the other abducted woman reportedly arrived near Rock Garden City Estate during the night when members of the CJTF on routine patrol became suspicious after noticing the movement of a large sum of cash at such an unusual hour.

As the vigilantes attempted to intervene and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the transaction, the suspected kidnappers allegedly opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

In the ensuing battle, a CJTF operative identified as Mr. Sunday John was fatally shot, while another individual sustained gunshot injuries to the hand.

The sound of the gunfire attracted estate security personnel and some residents, who joined efforts to repel the attackers in a prolonged confrontation that lasted several minutes.

During the confusion, the individual carrying the ransom reportedly fled for safety, while the kidnappers allegedly recovered the money and escaped through the surrounding bush paths and mountainous terrain.

Residents also recounted that a commercial motorcyclist and his passenger, who were operating in the area at about 11:00 p.m., became trapped in the chaos. The motorcyclist reportedly abandoned his motorcycle at the CJTF office while seeking safety. However, when security operatives later returned to the location, the motorcycle had been set ablaze by yet-to-be-identified persons.

The killing of the vigilante has thrown the community into mourning, with Mr. John being buried in Jikwoyi on Sunday morning as residents paid glowing tributes to him for his courage and sacrifice.

“We have lost a hero who gave his life protecting this community. The security volunteers continue to make enormous sacrifices despite the dangers they face daily,” a resident said.

Residents, however, expressed gratitude that both kidnapped women have regained their freedom and reunited with their families.

The latest attack has once again brought into focus the growing insecurity in Abuja’s satellite communities, particularly Jikwoyi, Orozo, Kurudu and Karshi, where residents say incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery and ransom extortion have become increasingly frequent.

Community leaders called on security agencies and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal camps hidden within the rocky terrains surrounding the affected communities and to strengthen surveillance and patrols in order to restore confidence among residents.

Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the police authorities were unsuccessful as of press time.

The incident comes despite recent intensified operations by the FCT Police Command under the leadership of CP Ahmed Mohammed Usman, who has adopted a proactive and field-driven approach to tackling insecurity across the nation’s capital.

In June, the police commissioner personally led a joint operation involving the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), local vigilantes and hunters to raid suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in the Paze and Byazhin communities. The operation led to the rescue of five kidnapped victims, the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers, the arrest of two others and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles.

Security experts say the latest attack underscores the need for sustained and intelligence-driven operations to curb the activities of criminal gangs whose operations continue to threaten lives, businesses and investments in Abuja’s rapidly expanding satellite towns.

For residents and investors alike, the renewed wave of kidnappings and violent attacks in the FCT’s outskirts raises fresh concerns about the security of communities that have increasingly become attractive destinations for residential and commercial development.