Abuja in Shock as Gunmen Abduct DHQ Officer and Civilians
The Federal Capital Territory was rocked by fear on Friday night after gunmen abducted Lt. Cynthia Akor, a Nigerian Navy officer attached to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), along with two other civilians from their residence in the Mpape area of Abuja.
According to multiple security sources, the assailants have since contacted the families of the victims, demanding a ransom of ₦100 million for their safe release.
Ransom Demand Triggers Emergency Security Response
A local resident who spoke under the condition of anonymity confirmed the disturbing development, stating that the kidnappers made contact with the victims’ families shortly after the abduction.
“About three people were kidnapped on Friday night. A DHQ official, Akor, was among them. The kidnappers have already reached out to their families and are demanding ₦100 million ransom,” the source revealed.
The bold abduction of a serving military officer has added a new level of urgency and concern to the rising insecurity in Nigeria’s capital.
Silence from Military Authorities as Investigation Deepens
Efforts to reach top military spokespeople — Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, and Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information — were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Similarly, Federal Capital Territory Police Command spokesperson Josephine Adeh acknowledged the incident and promised to provide details, saying:
“I will confirm and get back to you shortly.”
However, no official update had been released at press time.
Police and Troops Launch Coordinated Rescue Operation
A separate security source confirmed to IDNN that a joint rescue mission involving the Nigerian Police and military operatives has already been deployed to track and recover the abducted individuals.
“The operation to rescue her and others has started and is ongoing. Police and soldiers are already on it,” the source disclosed.
Security forces are reportedly combing suspected hideouts and escape routes in and around the FCT in a bid to apprehend the kidnappers and safely rescue the victims.
Rising Tension Over Insecurity in Nigeria’s Capital
The incident highlights the persistent and growing threat of kidnappings-for-ransom in Abuja and surrounding regions — now extending to high-profile targets including military personnel. The fact that a DHQ-linked officer could be abducted from within the capital has ignited fear and debate over the effectiveness of the government’s security strategies.
As of now, the victims remain in captivity, with their families anxiously awaiting positive news from the ongoing operation.
