The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command on Sunday gave insight into how a joint defence and security operations led to the rescue of a kidnapped naval officer, Lieutenant Cynthia E. AKor, and two civilians who were abducted by armed assailants on March 21, 2025, in Mpape, Abuja.
Already, four suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction incident.
The Navy Lieutenant and the two other civilians were kidnapped around 7:35 PM at the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, where heavily armed criminals blocked Mpape Road, firing at vehicles and abducting the three victims.
The kidnappers subsequently demanded a ransom of ₦500 million for the naval officer and ₦200 million for each civilian.
But the FCT Police Command explained that following a distress report, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Isyaku Sharu, coordinated a joint operation involving the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, military personnel, Department of State Services (DSS) and hunters.
According to a statement on Sunday by FCT Police Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Josephine Adeh, the rescue operation spanned Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu, and Yelwa Hills, covering areas within the FCT and Nasarawa State.
Adeh said: “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 ₦3.2 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.
“Security deployments have 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.”
The FCT Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities via the emergency numbers provided: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653 and the Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192.
