The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and the military in a joint operation have rescued a kidnapped naval officer and two civilians abducted by armed criminals in Mpape, Abuja, on March 21, 2025.

The Guardian gathered that the victims were abducted at about 7:35p.m. when heavily armed assailants stormed the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocking Mpape Road and indiscriminately firing at passing vehicles.

Amid the chaos, they seized the three victims and vanished into the surrounding bushes. Following the abduction, the hoodlums contacted the victims’ families, and demanded N500 million ransom for the naval officer and N200 million each for the two civilians.

Upon receiving the distress report, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), FCT Police Command, DCP Isyaku Sharu, 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.

After tracking the criminals to their hideout, operatives moved in swiftly, engaging the kidnappers and successfully freeing all three hostages unharmed.
Four suspects were arrested during the operation, and efforts are ongoing to dismantle the entire network behind the attack.

Confirming the development in a statement yesterday, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said acting on credible intelligence, between 2:00a.m and 5:30a.m., on March 23, operatives traced the suspects to a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, Nasarawa State, where four 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.

“On the basis of this however, following the daring rescue of a kidnapped naval officer and two civilians in Mpape, Abuja, the FCT Police Command has confirmed that the victims are in stable condition and are currently receiving medical care at the Nigerian Army Clinic.

Meanwhile, security forces are intensifying efforts to track down the remaining suspects who are still at large. To prevent further attacks, security “deployments have been reinforced across Mpape and surrounding areas, ensuring enhanced surveillance and rapid response capabilities.” She urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear, as authorities remain committed to maintaining law and order.

“The FCT Police Command also calls on the public to stay vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities using the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653 and Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192. added.

“With security forces on high alert, authorities reassure citizens that criminal elements will be relentlessly pursued until they are brought to justice,” she stated.