A joint operation by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and the military has led to the successful rescue of a kidnapped naval officer and two civilians who were abducted in Mpape, Abuja.
The victims were taken by armed criminals on March 21, 2025, following an attack at the Maman Vatsa Estate, where the assailants blocked the Mpape Road and opened fire on passing vehicles.
The kidnappers later demanded ₦500 million as ransom for the naval officer, and ₦200 million each for the other two kidnapped victims.
However, Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, in a statement on Sunday, said “upon receiving the distress call, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Isyaku Sharu, led a coordinated search-and-rescue mission in collaboration with the military, operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters, and the police anti-kidnapping unit.
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She explained that the operation, which lasted between 2:00 am and 5:30 am on March 23, was carried out in Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu, and Yelwa Hills, extending into Nasarawa State.
Adeh added that the security forces traced the suspects to a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, where four suspects were arrested, and the hostages were freed unharmed.
“Authorities also recovered ₦3.2 million, believed to be ransom money from previous kidnapping activities. The rescued victims are receiving medical care at the Nigerian Army Clinic and are reported to be in stable condition.
“Meanwhile, security reinforcements have been deployed to Mpape and surrounding areas to prevent future attacks. The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities via emergency hotlines: 08032003913, 08028940883, and 07057337653.”
She assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects still at large.
