The FCT Police Command, in collaboration with the military, has successfully rescued a kidnapped naval officer, along with two civilians, who were abducted by armed criminals in Mpape, Abuja, on March 21, 2025.

In a statement, spokesperson for the command, SP Josephine Adeh, said at approximately 7:35 pm, heavily armed assailants attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocked Mpape Road, and opened fire on moving vehicles before abducting the three victims.

She said shortly after the attack, the kidnappers contacted the victims’ families, demanding a ransom of ₦500 million for the naval officer and ₦200 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, mobilized 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," Adeh said.

She said 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.

She further stated that 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 suspects were arrested, and the victims were rescued unharmed.

The spokesperson said the sum of ₦3.2 million, suspected to be ransom money from previous kidnapping operations, was recovered from the suspects.

She said 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. Security deployments has also been reinforced in Mpape and surrounding areas to prevent future occurrences. As members of the public are advised to go about their daily activities without any apprehension," Adeh said.