Abuja: Security operatives rescue kidnapped naval officer, others

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian military, has successfully rescued a kidnapped naval officer and two civilians who were abducted by armed criminals in Mpape, Abuja, on March 21, 2025.

The operation also led to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of ₦3.2 million suspected to be ransom money from previous kidnappings.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, the victims were abducted at approximately 7:35 PM on March 21, when heavily armed assailants attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocked Mpape Road, and opened fire on moving vehicles.

The kidnappers subsequently contacted the victims’ families, demanding a ransom of ₦500 million for the naval officer and ₦200 million each for the two civilians.

In response to the incident, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), FCT Police Command, DCP Isyaku Sharu, in collaboration with military authorities, mobilized a joint operation.

The operation, led by the Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, included personnel from the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local hunters.

The search-and-rescue mission spanned Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu, and Yelwa Hills, covering areas in both the FCT and Nasarawa State.

Acting on credible intelligence, between 2:00 AM and 5:30 AM on March 23, operatives traced the suspects to a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, Nasarawa State.

The four suspects were arrested, and the victims were rescued unharmed.

The recovered ₦3.2 million is believed to be part of the ransom collected from previous kidnapping operations.

SP Josephine Adeh confirmed that the victims are currently in stable condition and are receiving medical attention at the Nigerian Army Clinic.

She also stated that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the remaining suspects who are still at large.

Security deployments have been reinforced in Mpape and surrounding areas to prevent future incidents.

The FCT Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police via the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653, and the Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192.

SP Adeh reassured the public, stating, “Residents are advised to go about their daily activities without any apprehension, as security measures have been intensified to ensure their safety.”

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