Successful Rescue: Abuja Naval Officer and Sister Freed from Captivity

Heroic Recovery: Inside the Rescue of Abuja’s Kidnapped Naval Officer and Sister

​A joint operation by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, military personnel, Department of State Services (DSS), and local hunters successfully rescued Navy Lieutenant Cynthia Akor and two civilians who were abducted on March 21, 2025, in the Mpape area of Abuja. ​

The assailants attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocked Mpape Road, and opened fire on moving vehicles before abducting the three victims. The kidnappers subsequently contacted the victims’ families, demanding a ransom of ₦500 million for the naval officer and ₦200 million each for the two civilians.

Upon receiving the distress report, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Isyaku Sharu, coordinated a rescue operation involving the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the military, DSS, and local hunters. The operation covered areas in Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu, and Yelwa Hills, extending into Nasarawa State.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives traced the suspects to a Fulani resettlement in Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills, Nasarawa State, where four suspects were arrested, and the victims were rescued unharmed. Additionally, ₦3.2 million, suspected to be ransom money from previous kidnapping operations, was recovered from the suspects.

The rescued individuals are currently in stable condition and receiving medical attention at the Nigerian Army Clinic. Security has been reinforced in Mpape and surrounding areas to prevent future attacks. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.