Navy Busts Kidnap Syndicate, Hands Over Suspects Behind Officer’s Abduction to FCT Police
The Nigerian Navy has transferred three suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate to the Police following their arrest in connection with the abduction of a naval officer and several others in Abuja.
Commander of the Naval Unit in Abuja, Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, disclosed on Wednesday that the naval officer was abducted on Friday, March 21, 2025, around the Mpape area of the FCT. The victim, along with others, was rescued during a swift operation in a forest located in Nasarawa State.
The daring rescue was executed by a joint Quick Response Team from the Navy, in collaboration with troops from the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army and officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
“In line with our mandate to secure the FCT and surrounding areas, we maintain robust inter-agency cooperation,” Oladipo said. “Nevertheless, Abuja still grapples with threats such as kidnapping, ‘one-chance’ robberies, and vehicle theft.”
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The Naval Commander explained that after the officer’s abduction was reported, a coordinated search-and-rescue mission—fueled by both human and technical intelligence—was immediately launched. The victims were eventually freed in the early hours of Sunday, March 23.
Subsequent raids led to the capture of two principal suspects and an accomplice. All three reportedly confessed to their involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other crimes. They were formally handed over to the FCT Police Command along with key evidence for further investigation and prosecution.
Commodore Oladipo reaffirmed the unit’s resolve to uphold the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to ensure a disciplined and proactive force that can safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity—both on land and at sea.
He also commended the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his continued leadership and support toward strengthening security within the capital.
“Our base will remain actively engaged with other security outfits to ensure Abuja remains safe for all residents,” Oladipo assured.
By PRNigeria