A joint security operation, involving the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and the military, successfully rescued a kidnapped naval officer, Lt. Cynthia Akor, attached to the Defence Headquarters, along with two civilians, who were abducted from Mpape, Abuja, on March 21, 2025.
According to FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the victims were taken after armed assailants attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocked Mpape Road, and opened fire on passing vehicles.
The kidnappers abducted the victims and later contacted their families, demanding ₦500 million for the naval officer and ₦200 million each for the two civilians.
“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,” Adeh said in a statement on Sunday.
At approximately 7:35 pm on the attack date, the kidnappers struck, creating chaos on Mpape Road before seizing the three victims.
Following the abduction, the criminals reached out to the families of the victims, making ransom demands for their release.
In response to the distress call, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Isyaku Sharu, coordinated a rescue mission that involved the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local hunters.
“Upon receiving the distress report, DCP Isyaku Sharu, in collaboration with military authorities, mobilised a joint operation led by the Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and comprising personnel of the Nigerian military, DSS, hunters, and members of the local Hunter’s Group,” Adeh explained.
The search-and-rescue mission covered areas across Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu, and Yelwa Hills, extending into Nasarawa State.
The operatives acted on credible intelligence and conducted a raid between 2 am and 5:30 am on March 23, 2025, at a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, where they arrested four suspects and rescued the victims unharmed.
“Acting on credible intelligence, between 2 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,” Adeh confirmed.
“Additionally, the sum of ₦3.2 million, suspected to be ransom money from previous kidnapping operations, was recovered from the suspects,” Adeh continued.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention at the Nigerian Army Clinic and are reported to be in stable condition.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects, and security deployments have been reinforced in Mpape and surrounding areas to prevent further incidents.
Authorities have assured the public to carry on with their daily activities without fear, while urging vigilance in the face of ongoing security efforts.
