How Kidnapped Naval Officer, Two Others Rescued in FCT

How Kidnapped Naval Officer, Two Others Rescued in FCT

By: Zagazola Makama

A joint security operation has led to the rescue of Lieutenant Cynthia Akor of the Nigerian Navy and two others who were kidnapped in Mpape Village, Abuja.

The victims Lt. Akor, her friend Gold Alfred, and one Abdullahi Adeku were abducted on March 21, 2025, around 7:45 p.m. The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of ₦500 million for the naval officer and ₦200 million each for the other two victims.

A combined team of police operatives, Department of State Services (DSS), hunters, and military personnel from the Army and Navy launched a manhunt.

The operation, led by the Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, involved a thorough search of bushes and hills in Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Muazu, and Yelwa, covering parts of the FCT and Nasarawa State.

Security operatives traced the suspected kidnappers to Fulani settlements behind the newly commissioned Bola Ahmed Tinubu Army Estate. During a search of the area, authorities recovered ₦3.2 million in suspected ransom money from Hauwa Buhari, the wife of a suspect identified as Buhari Usman, who remains at large.

Eight family members of the fleeing suspects, including Usman’s father, Alhaji Usman Rago, and the wives of other gang members, were arrested.

Following negotiations between the security team and the families of the kidnappers, sustained pressure was applied on the bandits’ hideout in Unguwan Muazu forest, Nasarawa State. This effort led to the safe release of all three hostages between 2:03 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on March 23.

The rescued victims are currently receiving medical assessment at the Nigerian Army Clinics. Meanwhile, security agencies are intensifying efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.

How Kidnapped Naval Officer, Two Others Rescued in FCT