Navy Transfers Three-Man Kidnapping Gang To Police Following Arrest In Abuja

Navy Transfers Three-Man Kidnapping Gang To Police Following Arrest In Abuja

The Nigerian Navy formally transferred a three-man kidnapping gang to the Police on Wednesday after their apprehension related to the abduction of a naval officer and several other individuals in Abuja.

Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, the Commander of the Naval Unit in Abuja, explained that the naval officer was kidnapped on Friday, March 21, 2025, near Mpape, Abuja. Following intelligence-led efforts, the victim was located in a forest hideout in Nasarawa State, where he and the other abductees were successfully rescued.…READ MORE…

Oladipo noted that the operation was executed by a collaborative Quick Response Squad from the Naval Base, in partnership with troops from the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army and personnel from the Nigeria Police Force.

“In alignment with our mandate to provide security within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its surroundings, we maintain a strong collaborative relationship with other security agencies,” he stated, acknowledging the persistent threats facing the region, which include kidnappings, ‘one-chance’ abductions, and vehicle theft.

The base commander highlighted that upon receiving the report of the abduction, a joint search-and-rescue operation was promptly initiated, leveraging both human and technical intelligence resources. The victims were freed in the early hours of Sunday, March 23.

Following this, follow-up operations resulted in the capture of two primary suspects and an accomplice, all of whom have admitted to involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities. The suspects, along with relevant evidence, were handed over to the FCT Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

Commodore Oladipo reiterated the Naval Unit’s dedication to the mission outlined by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, emphasizing the importance of a motivated naval force capable of ensuring security across Nigeria’s land and maritime domains. He also expressed gratitude to the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his leadership in promoting security within the capital.

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