By Emmanuel Dominic 
Alarm in Abuja as Kidnappers Abduct Numerous Residents from Estate
Recent reports indicate a surge in kidnapping incidents across various estates in Abuja, raising concerns about the safety of residents. While specific details about a recent mass abduction in an Abuja estate are limited, there have been multiple documented cases highlighting the growing insecurity in the region.For instance, on January 7, 2024, gunmen disguised in military uniforms invaded Sagwari Estate Layout in the Dutse-Alhaji area, abducting 11 residents, including a woman and her four children. The assailants also targeted a nearby hotel, kidnapping the receptionist and a barman. Eyewitnesses described the operation as swift and strategic, with the victims being led into nearby hills.
In another incident on March 21, 2025, heavily armed criminals attacked Maman Vatsa Estate in Mpape, Abuja, abducting a naval officer and two civilians. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦500 million for the naval officer and ₦200 million each for the civilians. A joint operation by the FCT Police Command and military personnel led to the successful rescue of the victims and the arrest of four suspects.
These incidents underscore the escalating security challenges in Abuja’s residential areas. Residents have expressed fears over the frequency of such attacks, with some considering relocation due to the perceived inadequacy of security measures. In response to the growing threat, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has initiated profiling of kidnapping hotspots in Abuja to identify vulnerable areas and implement targeted security interventions.
Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police through the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653. The Complaint Response Unit can be reached at 08107314192.
