Gunmen Abduct Immigration Officer and Two Children in Abuja
An officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Adamu Suleiman, has been abducted by gunmen alongside his two children, Abdullahi and Balkisu. The incident occurred last Thursday in the Nahari community of Abaji Area Council, Abuja.
Ransom Demands Reduced After Negotiation
The abductors initially demanded a ransom of ₦35 million for their release. However, following negotiations with the family, the demand has now been reduced to ₦7.5 million.
According to sources close to the family, they are struggling to raise the ransom, and the children’s mother is reportedly devastated over their condition in captivity.
Security Agencies Working Behind the Scenes
Authorities, including the FCT Police Command, have confirmed ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of the victims. However, officials have refrained from disclosing specific details of their strategy to avoid compromising the operation.
This incident comes amid a disturbing rise in abductions targeting both civilians and security personnel across Nigeria.
Recent Spike in Kidnappings of Security Operatives
The kidnapping of Officer Suleiman echoes similar recent incidents. In May 2024, Nigerian Army officer Charles Ogbonna was abducted near a military barracks in Makurdi, Benue State. His abductors demanded a ransom of ₦5 million.
Even more tragically, another soldier, Abdulfatai Odutola, was kidnapped in February 2025 along the Abuja–Jos highway. Despite a ₦20 million ransom demand, he was killed after the deadline passed without payment.
Growing Concern Over Rising Insecurity
The recurring abductions raise fresh concerns about Nigeria’s deteriorating security landscape. Communities across the country are increasingly vulnerable, with many calling for stronger action from the government to combat kidnapping and improve safety.
