By Titilope Adako
Nigeria – Abuja: A kidnapped naval officer and two civilians abducted in Mpape, Abuja, have been rescued in a joint operation by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and the military. Four suspects were also arrested during the operation.
The victims were kidnapped on March 21, 2025, when heavily armed criminals attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocked Mpape Road, and opened fire on vehicles before seizing the three individuals.
The kidnappers later contacted the victims’ families, demanding ₦500 million for the naval officer and ₦200 million each for the two civilians.
Following a distress report, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Isyaku Sharu, mobilized a joint team comprising the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Nigerian military, Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, local hunters, and members of the Hunters’ Group.
The rescue operation, which spanned Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu, and Yelwa Hills in the FCT and Nasarawa State, led operatives to a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills.
Between 2:00 AM and 5:30 AM on March 23, security forces stormed the area, arresting four suspects and recovering ₦3.2 million suspected to be proceeds from previous kidnappings.
The rescued victims were found unharmed and are currently receiving medical attention at the Nigerian Army Clinic.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to track other fleeing suspects, while security has been reinforced in Mpape and surrounding areas to prevent future attacks.
The FCT Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through emergency contact numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653, and the Complaint Response Unit line: 08107314192.
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