FCT police rescue abducted foreigners in Nasarawa
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully rescued twenty-three abducted foreign nationals and arrested fourteen members of a transnational kidnapping syndicate operating between Abuja and Nasarawa State. The breakthrough followed a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by a joint security team in the early hours of Thursday.
According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the victims comprising nationals from various African and Asian countries were rescued unharmed after being held captive for several days in a remote hideout near the Nasarawa border. The kidnappers were reportedly planning to demand huge ransoms before the police intercepted their communication and launched a swift rescue mission.
During the operation, several sophisticated weapons, mobile phones, and vehicles used by the gang were recovered. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had been responsible for a series of high-profile kidnappings across the Abuja–Nasarawa corridor, targeting expatriates, traders, and road travelers.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ben Igweh, commended the tactical units and partner security agencies for their professionalism and prompt response. He reiterated the command’s commitment to dismantling all criminal networks within and around the capital region. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and will soon be reunited with their embassies and families.
Authorities confirmed that the suspects would be charged to court once investigations are concluded. The successful operation has been praised as a major step toward curbing organized kidnapping activities that have plagued the central region in recent months.
