A joint operation by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command and the military has successfully rescued a kidnapped naval officer, Lt. Cynthia Akor, and two civilians.
The victims were abducted on March 21, 2025, after armed men attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate in Mpape, Abuja, blocking Mpape Road and opening fire on moving vehicles.
The kidnappers demanded a hefty ransom from the victims’ families – ₦500 million for the naval officer and ₦200 million each for the civilians.
However, security forces sprang into action after receiving a distress call.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) DCP Isyaku Sharu led the rescue operation, which involved the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the military, the Department of State Services, and local hunters.
The search-and-rescue mission covered several areas in the FCT and Nasarawa State.
Acting on intelligence, security operatives raided a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills between 2 am and 5:30 am on March 23.
They arrested four suspects and rescued the victims unharmed.
Additionally, ₦3.2 million suspected to be ransom money from previous kidnapping operations was recovered from the suspects.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care at the Nigerian Army Clinic and are in stable condition.
Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the remaining suspects, while security deployments have been reinforced in Mpape and surrounding areas to prevent future occurrences.
