On March 3, 2025, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Modestus Ojiebe was abducted along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway near the Dei-Dei Police Barracks in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The incident occurred while CSP Ojiebe, attached to the Kwara State Police Command, was attempting to repair his broken-down vehicle. An ash-colored Mercedes-Benz with four armed occupants approached; they robbed Ojiebe and his wife of their mobile phones and ATM cards.
Upon discovering his police identity card, the assailants forced him into their vehicle and sped off, leaving his wife and their car at the scene.
Following the abduction, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Dawaki Division received a distress call and promptly dispatched a patrol team to the area. Stop-and-search operations have been intensified at various entry and exit points of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to rescue the officer and apprehend the culprits.
As of now, the Police Public Relations Officer in FCT, Josephine Adeh, has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
The Abuja-Kaduna Expressway has been notorious for kidnappings and banditry. Despite efforts by security agencies, the highway remains perilous for travelers.
In November 2024, the Kaduna State Police Command arrested three members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate terrorizing the Abuja-Kaduna highway and neighboring states.
Additionally, in May 2024, Nigerian authorities arrested the mastermind behind a 2022 terrorist attack on a moving train along the Abuja-Kaduna route, which resulted in the deaths of 10 passengers.
Public sentiment reflects a lack of confidence in the authorities’ ability to curb kidnapping. A survey indicated that six in ten Nigerians believe that the government is not doing enough to address the issue.
In response, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) ordered a security beef-up on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway to enhance the safety of travelers.
Furthermore, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, recently handed over 59 rescued kidnap victims to the Kaduna State Government, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat abductions.
Kidnapping incidents have been on the rise in Nigeria, particularly along major highways. In December 2024, armed men abducted at least 50 people, including women and children, in the Maradun area of Zamfara State.
These incidents underscore the escalating security challenges in the region and the need for enhanced measures to protect citizens.
The abduction of CSP Modestus Ojiebe highlights the ongoing security challenges along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway. Despite efforts by security agencies, kidnappings remain a significant threat.
Continuous and enhanced security measures, coupled with community engagement, are essential to address this pervasive issue effectively.