The FCT Police Command, in collaboration with the military, has successfully rescued a naval officer, along with two civilians who were kidnapped by armed criminals in Mpape, Abuja, on March 21, 2025.
Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, Abuja, SP Josephine Adeh, made this known in a press release on Sunday
Recall that, at approximately 7:35 PM on the said date, heavily armed assailants attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate Gate, blocked Mpape Road and opened fire on moving vehicles, before abducting the three victims.
Shortly after the attack, the kidnappers contacted the victims’ families and demander a ransom of ₦500 million for the naval officer and ₦200 million each for the two civilians.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), FCT Police Command, DCP Isyaku Sharu, upon receiving the distress report, however swung into action immediately.
As stated in the release, the SCP (Operations) in collaboration with military authorities, mobilised a joint operation, led by the Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and comprising of personnel of the Nigerian Military, DSS hunters and members of the local hunters’ group.
“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 AM and 5:30 AM on March 23, 2025, operatives traced the suspects to a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, Nasarawa State,” it was stated.
It was further disclosed that four (4) suspects found at the Fulani resettlement centre were arrested and the victims were rescued unharmed.
“Additionally, the sum of ₦3.2 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,” the FCT Police Command spokesperson added in the release.
It was further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to track and apprehend the remaining suspects currently at large.
“Security deployments has also been reinforced in Mpape and surrounding areas to prevent future occurrences.
“This is as members of the public are advised to go about their daily activities without any apprehension,” it was added.
The FCT Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, via the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653; Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192.
