From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Police Command in collaboration with the military has successfully rescued the kidnapped naval officer, along with two civilians, who were abducted by criminals in Mpape, Abuja, on March 21.
The police also announced the arrest of four suspects and recovered the sum of N3.2 million, suspected to be ransom money from previous kidnapping operations.
The victims were abducted at about 7:35 pm on the said date, by heavily armed assailants who attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocked Mpape Road, and opened fire on moving vehicles before abducting the three victims.
FCT police command public relations officer , Josephine Adeh, said shortly after the attack, the kidnappers contacted the victims families, demanding a ransom of N500 million for the naval officer and N200 million each for the two civilians.
She said upon receiving the distress report, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, FCT Police Command, DCP Isyaku Sharu, in collaboration with military authorities, mobilized a joint operation led by the Command’s anti-kidnapping unit and comprising of personnel of the Nigerian military ,DSS ,hunters, and members of the local gunters’ group.
Adeh, said an intense search-and-rescue operation was conducted across Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, covering areas in the FCT and Nasarawa State.
“Acting on credible intelligence, between 2:00 a:m and 5:30 a.m on March 23, 2025, operatives traced the suspects to a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, Nasarawa State, where four (4) suspects were arrested, and the victims were rescued unharmed. Additionally, the sum of N3.2 million, suspected to be ransom money from previous kidnapping operations, was recovered from the suspects.
“The victims are currently in stable condition and are receiving medical attention at the Nigerian Army Clinic. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the remaining suspects currently at large. Security deployments have also been reinforced in Mpape and surrounding areas to prevent future occurrences. As members of the public are advised to go about their daily activities without any apprehension.
“The FCT Police Command urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the Police via the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192.”