The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the rescue of a female naval officer and two civilians abducted by armed criminals in Mpape, Abuja, on Friday, March 21, 2025.
In a statement on Sunday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the victims were taken at around 7:35 PM when heavily armed assailants attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocked Mpape Road, and opened fire on moving vehicles before seizing the three individuals.
The kidnappers subsequently contacted the victims’ families and demanded a ransom of N700m (N500m for the naval officer and N200m each for the civilians).
Upon receiving the distress call, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Isyaku Sharu, in collaboration with the military, mobilised a joint rescue operation.
The effort was spearheaded by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Police Command, alongside personnel from the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters, and vigilante groups.
The security operatives combed hideouts in Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu, and Yelwa Hills, extending the operation into 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, where four (4) 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.
“The victims are currently in stable condition and are receiving medical attention at the Nigerian Army Clinic.
“Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the remaining suspects currently at large,” Adeh stated.
The police assured residents that security measures have been strengthened in Mpape and surrounding areas to prevent future attacks.
They urged the public to go about their daily activities without fear but remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities via the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653 Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192.
