ABDUCTED NAVAL OFFICER, TWO OTHERS RESCUED FROM KIDNAPPERS DEN

In a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command , in collaboration with the military, have successfully rescued a kidnapped naval officer and two civilians abducted by armed criminals in Mpape, Abuja, on March 21, 2025.

The rescue operation was launched following a distress call which reported that heavily armed assailants had attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate around 7:35 PM, blocked Mpape Road, and opened fire on passing vehicles before seizing the three victims. The kidnappers subsequently contacted the victims’ families, demanding ransoms of ?500 million for the naval officer and ?200 million each for the two civilians.

SP Josephine Adeh the FCT Police Command Public Relations Officer, in a statement said the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Isyaku Sharu, in coordination with military authorities, mobilized a joint search-and-rescue mission, the operation, spearheaded by the FCT Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, included personnel from the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters, and vigilante groups.

Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives traced the kidnappers to a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, Nasarawa State, between 2:00 AM and 5:30 AM on March 23, 2025, the team successfully raided the hideout, arresting four suspects and recovering ?3.2 million, believed to be proceeds from previous ransom payments.

The victims were rescued unharmed and are currently receiving medical attention at the Nigerian Army Clinic. Meanwhile, security forces are intensifying efforts to track down remaining suspects still at large, while additional security measures have been implemented in Mpape and surrounding areas to prevent future attacks.

The FCT Police Command has reassured residents of their safety and urged them to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity via the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653.

SP Adeh said the successful operation underscores the unwavering commitment of security forces to tackling criminal activities in the FCT and ensuring the safety of all residents.