One of the victims of the March 21 kidnapping incident in Mpape, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has refuted claims by the FCT Police Command that security operatives rescued them, insisting that their freedom came only after a ₦2.5 million ransom was paid.
The victim, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, stated that neither the police nor any security agency played a role in their release.
“We were not rescued by the police or any security agency; I didn’t see any security personnel at all,” he said.
The victim’s testimony directly contradicts a statement by the FCT Police Command, which claimed that a joint operation involving the police and military led to the successful rescue of a kidnapped naval officer and two civilians.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the rescue operation spanned multiple locations, resulting in the arrest of four suspects.
Recounting his ordeal, the victim revealed that the abductors were six in number, four of whom were heavily armed with AK-47 rifles equipped with double magazines.
He disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦100 million each but later reduced the ransom to ₦1.5 million for one victim and ₦1 million for another, bringing the total payment to ₦2.5 million.
“The kidnappers told us that they would take us to Jere, that there would be no food there, and that they would only give me garri and sachet water. They insisted we call people to bring big money – ₦100 million each,” he said.
He added that he had warned the friend who brought the ransom not to alert anyone, including security agents.
“I warned my friend who brought the ransom not to gamble and not to call anyone. But it was later that they were telling me that they were tracking me,” he said.
He also noted that the kidnappers appeared knowledgeable about police tracking efforts.
“I think those guys got the information too. They are not just ordinary criminals; they know how to filter these things. I think they knew they were tracking my phone because the woman’s (naval officer) phone was smashed. It was just one of the other lines that they used to contact our relatives,” he explained.
The victim’s account raises serious concerns about the accuracy of the FCT Police Command’s statement on the so-called rescue operation.
Despite police claims of a coordinated effort leading to the victims’ freedom, the victim stated that he has had no contact with any security operative beyond a phone call since their release.
“The only time I spoke to a police officer was on the phone after I was released,” he said.
His statement suggests that security authorities may have misled the public to create an impression of a successful operation.
In a country where kidnapping has become a lucrative business, the payment of ransom continues to fuel criminal activities and reinforce a culture of impunity.
While the FCT Police Command’s claim may have been intended to reassure the public, the victim’s testimony casts doubt on the credibility of the narrative being pushed by security agencies.
Source : SaharaRepeorters
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