The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has crushed a notorious kidnapping operation following the dislodgement of a criminal camp and the rescue of seven abducted victims in a high-risk, cross-border security raid.

The dramatic operation was triggered by a distress call received by the Police on December 5, 2025, reporting that heavily armed kidnappers had invaded a community in Ushafa, Abuja, and whisked away several residents under the cover of darkness.

Following the development, a joint security task force made up of operatives from the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigerian Army, and the Department of State Services (DSS) swung into action on December 6, launching a coordinated manhunt for the abductors.

Guided by credible intelligence, the security team traced the suspects’ movements through the outskirts of the Mpape community and onward into settlements linking the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said, “On 5th December 2025, the FCT Police Command received a distress report that armed men had invaded a community in Ushafa and abducted several residents. In a swift response, a joint team comprising operatives of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside personnel of the Army and the DSS, mobilized to the area on 6th December 2025 and immediately commenced a coordinated search operation.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the team traced the suspects through the outskirts of Mpape community and into settlements extending towards the Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State. Upon sighting the security operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, engaging the security team in a fierce gun duel. The operatives returned fire with superior force, successfully dislodging the criminals from their hideout and rescuing one victim, who was found in their custody.

“Demonstrating remarkable gallantry, the joint security team continued the pursuit for over seven hours across difficult mountainous terrain. Their efforts led them to the suspects’ camp in Kweri Forest, Kaduna State, where another exchange of gunfire ensued. The sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to flee, prompting the operatives to rescue an additional six victims. All rescued victims were immediately taken to the hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention and are in stable condition”.

Adeh said the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, has commended the bravery and professionalism of the operatives.

He has ordered the deployment of additional manpower along the identified corridors to proactively deter further incursions by kidnapping syndicates into the Federal Capital Territory.

She said, “As efforts continue to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, the Command calls on hospitals and healthcare providers to be vigilant and report anyone presenting with suspicious injuries to the FCT Police Command through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08061581938, 08032003913”. (The Nation)

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