Operatives of the FCT Police Command have neutralized a notorious gang leader, Umar Manu, popularly known as “Small”, during a follow-up operation that foiled another planned robbery in Abuja.
Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh, who confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, revealed that the daring operation, carried out on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, followed credible intelligence that the gang behind the June 23rd Apo Resettlement attack had crossed from the Nasarawa forests into the FCT through Karshi, with plans to launch a fresh assault.
According to SP Adeh, the suspects were traced to a hideout at Kurape Hills, where they opened fire on sighting the operatives. “The exchange of gunfire left the gang leader dead, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
”Recovered from the scene were three rifles (two AK-49s and one AK-47), three magazines, and eleven rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition.
”During the firefight, the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and another officer sustained minor injuries but have since been treated and discharged,” she stated.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, praised the gallantry of his men and vowed to sustain the onslaught against armed gangs terrorizing Abuja and its borders.
“This operation is proof that criminals who dare to test the resolve of the Police will meet the same fate as the neutralized gang leader. We remain committed to ridding the FCT of all forms of violent crime,” the CP declared.
He also issued a stern call to the public, especially healthcare providers, to be vigilant.
“We urge hospitals, clinics, and health workers to immediately report anyone presenting with bullet wounds or suspicious injuries to the Police through our emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08028940883,” he said.
FCT Police Gun Down Notorious Gang Leader “Small,” Recover Rifles in Apo Robbery Crackdown
