The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully rescued Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Modestus Ojiebe, who was abducted by armed men along the Kubwa Expressway in Abuja. The swift action of the police led to Ojiebe’s safe return to his family just hours after the abduction.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Josephine Adeh, confirmed the rescue in a statement released on Monday. She praised the quick response of the local police officers, especially the Divisional Police Officer of Dawaki Division, who led the team that ensured the officer was freed.
“Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer of Dawaki Division acted swiftly, leading his patrol team while alerting all police checkpoints and key entry and exit points into the FCT. This decisive response enabled the successful rescue of the officer on the same night,” Adeh said in her statement.
The incident took place on Sunday night when CSP Ojiebe, who was driving along the expressway with his wife, found himself in a distressing situation. According to a security expert, Zagazola Makama, Ojiebe’s vehicle—a Toyota Corolla—developed a mechanical fault near the Dei-Dei Barracks, a known area along the Kubwa Expressway. While trying to fix the issue, an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz with four armed men inside reportedly stopped behind the officer’s vehicle.
The armed men then proceeded to search and rob Ojiebe and his wife of their mobile phones and ATM cards. Upon discovering that the officer was a police officer, the kidnappers became more aggressive. They forced Ojiebe into their vehicle and drove off, leaving his wife and their car behind at the scene.
The FCT Police responded immediately by increasing patrols and setting up stop-and-search operations at various key locations, including entry and exit points of the city. Their efforts were successful, and Ojiebe was rescued that same night, found abandoned in the bush near Garaku, a town in neighbouring Nasarawa State.
In a statement, SP Adeh assured the public that the police were not relenting in their efforts to apprehend the suspects. “We are working hard to identify and arrest those responsible for this crime. Our officers will continue to work around the clock until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” she said.
The swift police action has been widely praised, as it shows how effective coordination and prompt responses can lead to positive outcomes, even in the face of criminal activity. It also highlights the constant risks that law enforcement officers face daily, even when off-duty.
Abductions for ransom have become an unfortunate reality in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in areas with high traffic or rural-urban borders. Criminal groups, often armed with sophisticated weapons, target motorists, especially those who appear to be wealthy or hold important positions.
