In a significant breakthrough in the fight against criminal syndicates in the Federal Capital Territory, the Nigerian Navy on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, officially handed over a three-man kidnap gang to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command. The suspects were apprehended for their involvement in the recent abduction of a naval officer and several other victims in Abuja.
According to verified reports from the Naval Headquarters, the operation that led to the arrest of the suspects followed the abduction of a naval officer on Friday, March 21, 2025, near Mpape, a suburb in Abuja. The daring rescue and arrest were achieved through a coordinated operation involving the Quick Response Squad of the Nigerian Navy, the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, and operatives from the Nigeria Police Force.
Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, Commander of the Naval Unit in Abuja, stated during a press briefing that the kidnapped officer and other hostages were traced to a forest enclave in Nasarawa State. Through a blend of human intelligence and advanced tracking technologies, the rescue mission was executed successfully in the early hours of Sunday, March 23, 2025.
“Following the incident report, a rapid and well-coordinated search-and-rescue operation was initiated. Our synergy with sister agencies once again proved crucial in ensuring the safe recovery of our personnel and other victims,” Commodore Oladipo revealed.
He noted that in the course of subsequent follow-up operations, two lead members of the kidnap gang and one accomplice were apprehended. The suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement not only in the abductions but also in a series of crimes including cattle rustling and armed robbery. The Navy also recovered key exhibits linked to the criminal activities, which have since been handed over to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
This arrest underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering dedication to the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, who continues to emphasize a proactive approach to national security across both maritime and inland territories.
Commodore Oladipo commended the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and enhancing the safety of Abuja residents. He further assured the public that the Naval Base in Abuja will intensify patrols and operations to counter the persistent threats of kidnappings, ‘one-chance’ robberies, and vehicular thefts in and around the FCT.
“We remain fully committed to working with the Army, Police, DSS, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that Abuja is safe for all citizens and visitors,” Oladipo affirmed.
This development marks a major step in dismantling organized crime rings threatening the peace and security of the nation's capital, highlighting the effectiveness of joint security operations in Nigeria.
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