Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have rescued 23 foreign nationals who were held hostage by kidnappers in Nasarawa State.The rescue operation, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, also led to the arrest of 14 suspected kidnappers believed to be part of a notorious syndicate operating around the border communities between the FCT and Nasarawa.
According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the victims—comprising both men and women—were rescued unharmed after a coordinated intelligence-led operation on Thursday.She said the kidnappers had abducted the foreigners from different locations and taken them to a hideout in a forest within Nasarawa, where they were being held for ransom.“Acting on credible intelligence, our operatives stormed the kidnappers’ camp in Nasarawa and successfully rescued 23 foreign nationals without paying any ransom. Fourteen suspects linked to the abduction were arrested during the operation,” Adeh stated.She added that arms, ammunition, and communication devices were recovered from the suspects, while efforts were ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang.
The rescued victims have since been reunited with officials of their respective embassies, while the suspects remain in custody for further investigation.The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Bennett Igweh, commended the operatives for their professionalism and urged residents to continue providing timely information to aid the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities.