Navy Officer Rescued From Fulani Hideout After Dramatic Police Operation

In a statement on Sunday, FCT Command spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh disclosed that the rescue operation was a collaborative effort between the police and the military. The victims were abducted on March 21 at the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, where the kidnappers blocked Mpape Road and later demanded a ransom of ₦500 million for the naval officer and ₦200 million each for the two civilians.

Adeh revealed that the victims were found in a Fulani resettlement area in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, Nasarawa State. Four suspects were arrested, and ₦3.2 million, believed to be ransom proceeds from previous kidnappings, was recovered.

“Upon receiving the distress call, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) DCP Isyaku Sharu led a joint security operation involving the Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local hunters. The operation spanned Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu, and Yelwa Hills in both the FCT and Nasarawa State,” Adeh stated.

She added that based on credible intelligence, the security forces tracked the suspects between 2:00 AM and 5:30 AM on March 23, 2025, leading to the arrest of four individuals and the safe rescue of the victims.

The police spokesperson assured that the victims were in stable condition and receiving medical care at the Nigerian Army Clinic. She urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects, and security reinforcements have been deployed in Mpape and surrounding areas to prevent further incidents.