Police, military rescue abducted female naval officer, two others

A female officer of the Nigerian Navy and two other individuals who were abducted by gunmen in Abuja have been rescued, the police said on Sunday.

The naval officer, who is attached to the Directorate of Media Operations (DMO), Defence Headquarters (DHQ), was kidnapped alongside two others from their residence in the Mpape area of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday night.

It was learnt that the kidnappers had contacted the victims’ families and initially demanded N100 million as ransom for their release. However, it remains unclear whether any ransom was paid before their eventual rescue.

According to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, the victims were rescued following a coordinated joint operation involving the Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, operatives of the Nigerian military, DSS hunters, and members of the local Hunters’ Group.

“At approximately 7:35 PM on the said date, heavily armed assailants attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocked Mpape Road, and opened fire on moving vehicles before abducting the three victims. 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,” she said.

“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 explained that the search-and-rescue operation extended across Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu, and Yelwa Hills—locations spanning the FCT and Nasarawa State.

She said the operation, which was based on credible intelligence, led operatives between 2:00 AM and 5:30 AM on March 23, 2025, to a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, Nasarawa State, where the suspects were tracked.

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During the rescue, “four 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.”

Adeh confirmed that the rescued victims are in stable condition and are currently receiving medical attention at the Nigerian Army Clinic.

She added that efforts are ongoing to track down other suspects still at large, noting that security has been reinforced in Mpape and adjoining areas to forestall future incidents.

Adeh also called on members of the public are advised to go about their daily activities without any apprehension.

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