Gunmen Invade Chikakore Estate Near Kubwa, Abuja: Abduct Businessman, Release Housewife After Plea

In yet another troubling incident in Nigeria’s capital, gunmen launched a coordinated attack on Grow Homes Estate in Chikakore, a community on the outskirts of Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), during the early hours of Monday, May 26, 2025. The armed assailants abducted two residents during the attack—one of whom, a housewife, was later released after pleading for mercy.

This shocking invasion, which lasted nearly an hour, is the latest in a disturbing string of kidnappings that have gripped the FCT. It occurred barely 48 hours after another estate, Efab Global Estate located in the Idu District of Abuja, suffered a similar security breach.

Chikakore, a residential area situated approximately 30 kilometers from the Abuja city centre and falling under the jurisdiction of Bwari Area Council, has witnessed multiple attacks in 2025 alone, raising serious concerns about the safety of lives and property in the Nigerian capital.

How the Chikakore Kidnapping Happened

According to eyewitness accounts gathered by NaijaRush, the gunmen struck at around 1:00 AM. They breached the security barrier of Grow Homes Estate by removing the barbed wire fencing a compound and then jumped inside. Their target was a family residing in a modest bungalow.

A relative of the kidnapped businessman, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, revealed to reporters that the attackers gained access to the house after smashing a window.

“Thereafter, they accessed the bungalow after smashing a window attached to it, to meet the man along with his family members. They left with him immediately,’’ he recounted.

The attackers reportedly stormed three different compounds within the estate. In one of the compounds, a resident narrowly escaped by taking cover with his brother in a concealed location.

“Initially, they headed toward the house where they abducted a woman, whom they later released on their way to the bush," he said.

He further narrated:

“So, from the woman’s home, they came to our compound, but before they arrived, I quickly took cover along with my brother at separate locations. I was able to have a glance at their movements throughout the operation from the place where I took cover. They initially cut the security wire attached to the house’s fence and forced its gate open.

“They wanted to enter through the main door attached to the bungalow, but when they realised that it was not going to be opened easily, they went toward one of the windows, and broke the attached burglary. They tried to locate us but didn’t succeed.”

Security Response and Gunfire Exchange

Despite the presence of security personnel at the estate’s main entrance, the gunmen seemed well-prepared and fearless. According to the resident, one of the estate's security guards attempted to confront the intruders by firing warning shots.

“As the operation was ongoing, one of the security guards attached to the estate moved down to our site from the estate main entrance, where their office is located. He fired some gunshots from afar, where he took cover."

“But instead of the gunmen fleeing from our area, they moved toward his direction, firing gunshots in retaliation. The security guard had tactically withdrawn immediately.”

The gunmen appeared undeterred and carried on with their mission. Eventually, it was the sound of an approaching police siren that signaled the end of the operation.

“It was the police van’s siren that arrived about an hour into the operation that caused the attackers to end their operation and leave with the two victims, a businessman and the released housewife,” the resident concluded.

FCT Police Confirm the Incident

The Public Relations Officer of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident in a press statement issued later that day.

“The FCT Police Command, on Monday, 26th May 2025, at about 1am, received a distress call from police officers stationed in front of Grow Homes Estate, Kuchibuyi village in Byazhin, reporting an attack by armed assailants and requesting reinforcement," the statement read.

She explained that the attackers breached the rear perimeter fence of the estate and abducted two individuals.

“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."

According to her, police officers engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle for over 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.”

SP Adeh also confirmed that a joint task force made up of the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Nigerian Army, and other security operatives had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and are actively working to secure the release of the remaining 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,” she added.

Security Concerns Mount in Abuja’s Outskirts

The incident has once again brought to the fore the growing insecurity in and around the Federal Capital Territory. With back-to-back attacks on residential estates like Efab Global Estate in Idu and now Grow Homes Estate in Chikakore, residents are increasingly worried about their safety.

Many citizens are calling on the federal and FCT authorities to prioritize urban and suburban security, particularly in satellite towns like Kubwa, Byazhin, Gwagwalada, Bwari, and others.

Experts believe the attacks are part of a larger trend of organized crime, often linked to ransom-seeking kidnappers who target affluent or semi-affluent neighborhoods on the outskirts of major Nigerian cities.

What This Means for Abuja Residents

The attack is a stark reminder that security in the nation’s capital is no longer guaranteed, especially in peripheral areas. Residents are now urged to take extra precautions:

• Install or upgrade home security systems including CCTV, alarm sensors, and motion detectors.

• Avoid late-night movements and always lock all doors and windows.

• Join or form neighborhood security watch groups.

• Promptly report suspicious movements or persons to local security agencies.

Conclusion

As the search continues for the abducted businessman from Grow Homes Estate in Chikakore, one thing remains clear—Abuja, once considered one of the safest cities in Nigeria, is now battling a wave of organized crime and kidnappings that demand urgent and sustained government intervention.

With continued collaboration between security agencies, community leaders, and residents, there is still hope that peace and safety can be restored to these troubled suburbs.

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