JUST IN: Kidnapped DHQ officer, two others regain freedom
Kidnapped Defence Headquarters (DHQ) officer, Lt. Cynthia Akor, and two civilians have been rescued in a joint operation by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command and the military.
The victims were abducted from Mpape, Abuja, on March 21, 2025.
The abductions occurred when armed assailants attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocked Mpape Road, and opened fire on moving vehicles before abducting the three individuals.
Shortly after the attack, the kidnappers reached out to the families, demanding ₦500 million for the naval officer and ₦200 million each for the two civilians.
According to FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the mission involved the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local hunters.
“The FCT Police Command, in collaboration with the military, has successfully rescued Lt. Cynthia Akor, a naval officer, and two civilians, who were abducted by armed criminals in Mpape, Abuja.
“At approximately 7:35 pm on March 21, the kidnappers attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocked Mpape Road, and opened fire on vehicles, before abducting the victims. After the abduction, the kidnappers made their ransom demands to the victims’ families.
” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Isyaku Sharu mobilized the joint operation, which covered Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu, and Yelwa Hills, extending into Nasarawa State.
“Intelligence led the team to a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, where the rescue operation took place between 2 am and 5:30 am on March 23, 2025.
“Acting on credible intelligence, security operatives stormed the resettlement, arrested four suspects, and freed the victims unharmed,” Adeh confirmed.
“During the operation, ₦3.2 million, believed to be ransom money from previous kidnappings, was recovered from the suspects. The rescued victims are receiving medical attention at the Nigerian Army Clinic and are reported to be in stable condition.
“Efforts to track down the remaining suspects are ongoing, and security in Mpape and surrounding areas has been reinforced to prevent future incidents. The public is urged to go about their daily activities without fear,” Adeh stated.
