Navy Smashes Kidnap Syndicate, Hands Over Suspects To Police After Officer’s Rescue

The Nigerian Navy has successfully dismantled a three-man kidnapping syndicate responsible for the abduction of a naval officer and other victims in Abuja, handing over the suspects to the Police on Wednesday for further investigation and prosecution.

The officer was kidnapped on Friday, March 21, 2025, around Mpape, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He was later rescued from a forest hideout in Nasarawa State in a daring operation carried out by a joint Quick Response Squad from the Naval Base, in collaboration with troops of the Guards Brigade and personnel from the Nigeria Police Force.

Commander of the Naval Unit in Abuja, Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, confirmed that the rescue mission, fueled by both human and technical intelligence, led to the freedom of multiple captives in the early hours of Sunday, March 23.

“Following the officer’s abduction, we swiftly launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission,” Oladipo said. “Subsequent follow-up operations resulted in the arrest of two key suspects and one accomplice, all of whom confessed to multiple criminal acts, including kidnapping and cattle rustling.”

The suspects, along with exhibits recovered from them, have been handed over to the FCT Police Command.

Commodore Oladipo reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to securing Abuja and surrounding areas, echoing the vision of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, for a proactive and resilient naval force. He also expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his leadership and support in enhancing regional security.

“The Base will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure Abuja remains safe and secure,” Oladipo concluded.