JTF rescue abducted Navy Officer, recovers 35 million naira cash

A Joint Task Force team has successfully rescued Nigerian Navy officer Cynthia Akor, who was abducted from her residence in the Mpape area of Abuja.

Akor was kidnapped alongside two others near the Mamman Vatsa Estate gate on Mpape Road around 7:34 p.m. on Friday. Following intelligence reports, security operatives launched a coordinated rescue mission.

Confirming the operation, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Isyaku Sharu, said security forces combed the Anguwan Mu’azu and Yelwa Hills forests in Nasarawa State. The raid, which took place between 2 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, led to the successful rescue of Akor and the other victims.

Sharu revealed that the kidnappers had demanded N500 million for Akor’s release, while they also requested N200 million each for the two other civilian hostages.

“Upon receiving the distress call, a joint task force carried out an extensive search-and-rescue operation across Mpape, Gidan Bawa, Anguwan Mu’azu, and Yelwa Hills. This covered parts of the FCT and Nasarawa State, where the victims were eventually rescued at a settlement,” he stated.

During the operation, four suspects were arrested, and security operatives recovered N35 million, suspected to be ransom money collected from previous abductions.

The rescued Navy officer, Cynthia Akor, is reported to be in stable condition and is currently receiving medical care at the Nigerian Army Clinic in Abuja.

Following the incident, security has been reinforced in the Mpape area to prevent similar occurrences. Sharu urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.