By Deborah Nnamdi
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian military, have successfully rescued the kidnapped naval officer and two civilians who were abducted by armed criminals in Mpape, Abuja, on March 21, 2025.
Heavily armed assailants reportedly launched an attack at the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocked Mpape Road, and opened fire on moving vehicles before abducting three individuals at approximately 7:35 PM on the day of the incident.
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.
A statement from the FCT Police Command reads: “Upon receiving the distress report, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), FCT Police Command, DCP Isyaku Sharu, in collaboration with military authorities, mobilized a joint operation led by the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, along with personnel from the Nigerian military, Department of State Services (DSS), and local hunters’ groups.”
The rescue operation covered multiple locations, including Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu, and Yelwa Hills—spanning areas in both 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 settlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, Nasarawa State.
Four suspects were arrested, and the victims were rescued unharmed. Additionally, N3.2 million, suspected to be ransom money from previous kidnapping operations, was recovered from the suspects.”
The rescued individuals are currently in stable condition and receiving medical attention at the Nigerian Army Clinic.
Meanwhile, security has been reinforced in Mpape and surrounding areas to prevent future attacks.
Security agencies have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects still at large, assuring the public that all efforts are being made to bring them to justice.
