Kidnapped Naval Officer Freed From Fulani Encampment—Security Operatives Strike

FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Sunday, revealed that the rescue operation was carried out through joint efforts between the police and the military.

According to Adeh, the kidnappers—who ambushed the Maman Vatsa Estate gate and blocked Mpape Road on March 21—demanded ₦500 million in ransom for the naval officer and ₦200 million each for the two civilians.

She disclosed that the victims were rescued from a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, Nasarawa State.

During the operation, security operatives arrested four suspects and recovered ₦3.2 million, suspected to be ransom proceeds from previous kidnappings.

“Upon receiving the distress report, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Isyaku Sharu, in collaboration with military authorities, mobilized a joint task force comprising the Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Nigerian military, DSS operatives, local hunters, and other security personnel,” Adeh stated.

She detailed that an intensive search-and-rescue mission was conducted across Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu, and Yelwa Hills, spanning the FCT and Nasarawa State.

“Acting on credible intelligence, security forces traced the kidnappers to a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills between 2:00 AM and 5:30 AM on March 23, 2025. The operation led to the arrest of four suspects and the safe rescue of all victims. Additionally, ₦3.2 million, believed to be ransom money from prior kidnappings, was seized from the suspects,” she added.

Adeh assured that the victims were in stable condition and receiving medical care at the Nigerian Army Clinic. She also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Meanwhile, security has been reinforced in Mpape and nearby areas to prevent further incidents, while efforts continue to track down the remaining suspects at large. Residents have been advised to go about their daily activities without fear.