Security operatives drawn from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Military have successfully rescued seven kidnap victims during a coordinated operation spanning Abuja and Kaduna State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the rescue followed the dislodgement of a criminal camp during a high-risk joint operation in the Ushafa area of Bwari Area Council, Abuja.
Distress Call Sparks Rapid Deployment
Adeh explained that the Command received a distress report on December 5, indicating that heavily armed men had invaded a community in Ushafa and abducted several residents.
Responding swiftly, a combined team comprising operatives of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigerian Army, and the DSS launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission on December 6, 2025.
“Following a distress call … a joint security task force swung into action on December 6, launching a coordinated manhunt for the abductors,” the statement read.
Trail Leads Through Abuja Outskirts Into Kaduna
Guided by credible intelligence, the operatives traced the kidnappers’ movement through the Mpape axis, continuing into border communities that link to Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
When the criminals sighted the advancing operatives, they opened fire, triggering a fierce gun duel. The security team responded with superior firepower, forcing the gang to abandon one victim as they retreated.
Seven-Hour Chase Through Rugged Terrain
Adeh noted that the joint operatives displayed “uncommon courage and endurance,” pursuing the kidnappers for more than seven hours across rugged mountain paths and dense forest terrain in a bid to dismantle the group.
The chase eventually led to the gang’s main hideout deep within Kweri Forest in Kaduna State. Another intense exchange of gunfire ensued, breaking the kidnappers’ resistance and sending them fleeing in disarray.
A thorough sweep of the forest camp resulted in the rescue of six additional victims, bringing the total number of those freed to seven.
Victims in Stable Condition
The rescued persons were evacuated to a hospital, where they are receiving medical care and are reported to be in stable condition.
FCT Police Commissioner Commends Operatives
The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, commended the bravery, discipline, and professionalism displayed by all operatives involved. He also ordered the reinforcement of security along identified flashpoints to prevent further criminal incursions into Abuja.
