Abuja Kidnapping: FCT Police Rescue One Victim, Launch Manhunt for Others After Violent Attack on Grow Homes Estate
In the early hours of Sunday, May 26, 2025, a terrifying incident unfolded in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as suspected kidnappers launched a violent attack on Grow Homes Estate located in Kuchibuyi village, Byazhin area. The brazen assault led to the abduction of two residents, sparking fear and anxiety among Abuja residents and prompting a swift and coordinated response from the FCT Police Command, military forces, and other security agencies.
According to a press statement released by the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Superintendent Josephine Adeh, the attack occurred around 1:00 AM. Officers from the command, stationed in front of the estate, were the first to raise the alarm after they came under fire from heavily armed assailants believed to be bandits or kidnappers operating within the FCT's outskirts.
“Upon swift deployment to the scene, it was discovered that the armed attackers had breached the estate through the rear perimeter fence and forcefully abducted two victims,” SP Josephine Adeh said.
This shocking development has once again drawn attention to the increasing threat of kidnapping in Abuja and the need for improved estate security and intelligence gathering across the FCT's satellite towns.
How the Attack on Grow Homes Estate Happened
Residents of Grow Homes Estate were jolted from their sleep in the dead of night by the sound of gunfire and chaos. The attackers, who appeared to have done prior surveillance, exploited a weakness in the estate's perimeter security by gaining access through the rear fence—a part of the estate that was likely less fortified.
As the attackers invaded the estate, they began firing indiscriminately, causing widespread panic. They quickly seized two victims, whose names were initially withheld. However, SP Adeh later confirmed that one of the victims rescued by the police was identified as Chinyere Joe.
Police officers stationed outside the estate immediately responded, requesting reinforcements while engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle that lasted for approximately 40 minutes.
“The responding Police officers exchanged gunfire with the attackers for about 40 minutes, and rescued one of the victims, identified as Chinyere Joe. Unfortunately, the attackers escaped with the second victim,” Adeh added.
Massive Security Operation Underway to Rescue the Second Victim
Following the attack, the FCT Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit swung into action. According to the police spokesperson, a joint task force comprising officers from the police, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies has been deployed in a coordinated manhunt to track down the fleeing kidnappers and rescue the second victim.
“The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping unit in collaboration with the army and other security operatives, has since launched an operation to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure the safe rescue of the remaining abducted victim,” SP Adeh said.
The police have vowed not to rest until the victim is safely returned and the criminals are brought to justice. This commitment reflects ongoing concerns about the increasing cases of insecurity in Abuja, especially in satellite towns like Byazhin, Kubwa, and Bwari, where such incidents have become alarmingly frequent.
FCT Residents Urged to Be Vigilant and Security-Conscious
In her statement, SP Josephine Adeh appealed to all residents of the FCT, particularly those in vulnerable areas and gated communities like Grow Homes Estate, to remain on high alert and maintain strong communication with security agencies. She emphasized that community cooperation is crucial in preventing further attacks and assisting the police in ongoing investigations.
“She urged residents of the area to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement, and report all suspicious activities or emergencies promptly via the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883 and 07057337653,” Adeh concluded.
This call for vigilance comes at a time when Abuja’s growing population has led to rapid expansion of estates in relatively remote areas with limited infrastructure and security coverage. Security experts have warned that such areas are becoming soft targets for criminal gangs due to weak surveillance and perimeter defenses.
Rising Cases of Kidnapping in Abuja and the Need for Urgent Action
The attack on Grow Homes Estate is not an isolated case. In recent months, there has been a troubling spike in kidnappings and armed robberies in various parts of the FCT. These incidents have raised questions about the security architecture in the capital city and the need for estate managers, private guards, and residents to prioritize safety measures.
Estates and residential communities are being advised to:
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Install CCTV cameras at strategic points around their premises.
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Strengthen perimeter fences with barbed wires or electric fencing.
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Maintain 24-hour security patrols within and around their vicinity.
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Establish vigilante networks where necessary and collaborate with police formations nearby.
Security analysts are also urging the FCT administration to invest in modern surveillance technology and intelligence-driven policing to curb the growing menace of kidnapping in Abuja.
Public Reaction: Fear, Outrage, and Calls for Reform
The incident has sparked widespread concern among Abuja residents, especially those living in suburban areas like Byazhin and other parts of Bwari Area Council. Social media platforms have been flooded with posts expressing anger, fear, and frustration over the recurring incidents of kidnapping in the nation’s capital.
Many are calling on the government to take urgent action to secure the FCT and ensure that no area is left vulnerable to criminal elements. There are also growing calls for a review of the security setup in estates, especially those located in relatively isolated parts of Abuja.
Conclusion: Urgent Need for Security Collaboration in Abuja Estates
The kidnapping incident at Grow Homes Estate is a stark reminder of the reality facing many communities in Abuja today. While the police deserve commendation for their swift response and successful rescue of Chinyere Joe, the fact that one victim remains in captivity is a troubling sign that more needs to be done.
Security is a shared responsibility. Residents, estate managers, law enforcement agencies, and the government must all play their part in securing lives and property. Improved infrastructure, better security planning, and robust community-police partnerships are essential to ensure that such terrifying incidents do not become the norm.
As the manhunt for the fleeing kidnappers continues, Nigerians are urged to stay alert, stay safe, and support security efforts in their communities. If you have any information that could help the police in their search, please contact the FCT Command using the emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, and 07057337653.
