FRSC Staff Abducted in Jos South: Security Forces Launch Rescue Operation for Kate Jonathan Akpabio
In a chilling early morning raid on Monday, May 26, 2025, armed men stormed a quiet neighborhood in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, and kidnapped a female staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mrs. Kate Jonathan Akpabio. The brazen attack, which occurred in the Rantya community around 5:30 a.m., has sent shockwaves through the local population and reignited urgent concerns about growing insecurity in the region.
According to reliable reports obtained by well-known security analyst Zagazola Makama, the gunmen invaded a private residence under the cover of dawn. They forcefully took Mrs. Akpabio from her home, dragging her into the shadows before security forces could respond to the emergency call.
“They came very early in the morning, around 5:30 a.m. It was so sudden. Nobody even heard them until it was too late,” a resident who asked not to be named told sources.
Who is Mrs. Kate Jonathan Akpabio?
Mrs. Kate Jonathan Akpabio is a respected staff member of the Federal Road Safety Corps, an agency responsible for ensuring the safety and regulation of road traffic across Nigeria. Known among her colleagues as diligent, disciplined, and devoted to her duties, Kate is not just a government official—she is a wife, mother, and valued member of her community.
Her abduction has deeply unsettled colleagues, neighbors, and security officials, raising questions about how and why she was targeted. While there has been no official statement from the FRSC headquarters at the time of this report, internal sources describe the incident as a “targeted attack” and have pledged to support security efforts in bringing her home.
How the Abduction Happened: Inside the Rantya Incident
Eyewitnesses from the Rantya community, where the abduction occurred, told NaijaRush that the armed men appeared to have planned the operation meticulously. They arrived at the residence silently, avoiding detection until it was too late.
“Nobody knew something was happening until we heard the sound of a vehicle driving away at high speed. That’s when we rushed out and realized she was gone,” said another resident.
It is believed the kidnappers took advantage of the early morning hours when most residents were still asleep, ensuring minimal resistance and a quick escape.
This method aligns with patterns observed in recent kidnapping operations across North-Central Nigeria, where criminal gangs often strike just before dawn when security presence is reduced.
Swift Response from Nigerian Security Forces
Following the abduction, a joint search-and-rescue operation was immediately launched by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. Troops were quickly mobilized to the scene upon receiving the distress call.
A preliminary investigation confirmed that the assailants had already fled with the victim to an unknown location before the arrival of the troops.
“Security personnel responded promptly but discovered that the criminals had already escaped with the victim. However, intelligence and tracking operations are now underway,” said a security source who spoke to Zagazola Makama.
Multiple checkpoints have since been established on roads leading out of Jos South, and surveillance drones have reportedly been deployed to assist in tracking the kidnappers’ movements.
Plateau State and the Rising Insecurity
Plateau State, once known for its peaceful and temperate climate, has in recent years experienced a disturbing rise in violent crimes, including kidnappings, banditry, and communal clashes. The Jos South LGA in particular has been a flashpoint for such criminal activities, making residents increasingly anxious about their safety.
Analysts believe that this latest incident may be connected to either a ransom-driven kidnapping or a politically motivated attack targeting federal government employees.
“The targeting of an FRSC staff is not random. It either indicates a calculated move to demand ransom from a visible government agency or a strategy to cause national attention and fear,” noted a local security expert.
Efforts to Rescue Mrs. Akpabio: What We Know So Far
While no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, security operatives are leaving no stone unturned in the effort to locate and safely rescue Mrs. Akpabio. Intelligence units have begun analyzing phone records, monitoring nearby forests and rural hideouts, and working closely with local informants to gather leads.
Security operatives are also investigating the possibility of insider collaboration, as the precision of the operation suggests prior knowledge of the victim's movements and residence.
Sources close to the ongoing investigation have disclosed that efforts are being made to establish communication with the kidnappers, should they make contact with demands. However, authorities have not yet confirmed any direct communication from the abductors.
Public Reactions: Fear, Anger, and Hope
The abduction has sparked a wave of outrage and fear across social media platforms, with citizens demanding better security measures and swift action to rescue Mrs. Akpabio. The hashtag #FreeKateAkpabio began trending in Plateau-based social circles, as friends, colleagues, and concerned Nigerians rallied online.
“How can a woman serving her country be abducted from her home in broad daylight—or rather, early morning—and nothing is done? We demand her immediate rescue,” tweeted a user under the handle @NaijaVoice.
In Jos city center, several groups have organized peaceful gatherings to call for stronger anti-kidnapping laws and greater support for security forces.
Calls for Government Action and Reassurance
This incident adds to the growing list of civil servants, health workers, and security personnel who have been targeted in recent months. As Nigeria grapples with complex security challenges, this latest abduction underscores the need for comprehensive intelligence reform, rural security coverage, and swift crisis response systems.
The Plateau State government, in collaboration with federal authorities, is being urged to intensify efforts in ensuring public safety and reassure civil servants who continue to serve despite increasing personal risk.
Conclusion: A Nation on Edge, A Woman in Peril
The kidnapping of Mrs. Kate Jonathan Akpabio is not just an isolated incident—it reflects a broader national challenge that must be urgently addressed. While security forces continue their search-and-rescue mission, one woman remains in the hands of criminals, and an entire community watches and prays for her safe return.
At NaijaRush, we stand with her family, her colleagues, and all Nigerians calling for swift justice and lasting peace. We urge the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and report any suspicious activity that may lead to her rescue.
As updates become available, we will continue to provide accurate and timely coverage of this developing story.
