Bandit Threat Letter Sparks Panic, Forces Residents to Flee FCT Communities

Residents of Kungaboku and Paze communities in the Federal Capital Territory have begun fleeing their homes after suspected bandits issued threats of coordinated attacks on the settlements.

The threat was reportedly contained in a letter discovered inside a pupil’s school bag at a private school in Paze. According to residents, the message warned that the armed group planned to attack Kungaboku and neighbouring Paze to avenge the killing of one of their commanders.

The development comes days after troops of the Nigerian Army from the 7 Guards Battalion, working with police officers and local vigilantes, rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a search-and-rescue operation around Gidan Dogo in Bwari Area Council on March 7.

Most of the rescued victims were residents of the affected communities. During the operation, security forces reportedly killed one suspected bandit, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm from the area.

The letter was discovered when a teacher reportedly found it in a pupil’s notebook while marking homework. Following the discovery, the pupil, parents, teacher and school authorities were invited for questioning by police and later released.

News of the threat quickly spread across the communities and on social media, triggering fear among residents and prompting many to leave their homes.

Security concerns intensified after suspected bandits attacked a Fulani settlement in Kungaboku a day before the letter surfaced. During the attack, three women were abducted and the attackers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦70 million.

Kungaboku and Paze, located near Byazhin, an extension of Kubwa in Abuja, have witnessed several violent attacks in recent months.

In October 2025, a veterinary doctor, Ifeanyi Ogbu, was abducted alongside his three children in Kungaboku. He was later shot dead in an open field while the children were taken away.

Earlier this month, suspected bandits also abducted a retired military officer, Bankole Ganiyu, and three children during another attack on the community. His wife, a police officer, and two other children reportedly escaped unharmed.

On the same day, gunmen attacked a nearby farm settlement, killing a vigilante on duty and abducting three workers, while six others managed to escape.

Residents of Paze say armed groups frequently raid surrounding settlements, moving from house to house to abduct residents. In the past two weeks alone, at least 12 people, including women and children, have reportedly been kidnapped.

Among those abducted were four children belonging to a pastor, the wife of a vigilante leader and her sister. In another incident, kidnappers reportedly left a baby behind during an abduction.

In response to the latest threat, the Divisional Police Officer in Byazhin convened a security meeting on Saturday at the palace of the Kungaboku community head, Chief Ishaya Jagaba.

Police confirmed the existence of the threat letter but assured residents that proactive security measures were being put in place to prevent any attack.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and monitor the activities of commercial motorcyclists and scavengers, who security officials say sometimes serve as informants for criminal groups. Community members were also advised to profile new arrivals to ensure they are not criminals or collaborators.

The police also encouraged residents to support plans to establish a police post in Kungaboku and assured them that regular day-and-night patrols would be conducted in the area.

Despite the assurances, fear continues to grip the communities, with several homes deserted and residents anxiously waiting to see whether the promised security measures will prevent another attack. Community leaders, however, have urged residents not to panic but to cooperate with security agencies to deter further violence.