Soyinka rescued by joint forces after abduction from Abuja residence

A coordinated security operation involving operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, local hunters, and vigilante groups has led to the rescue of kidnap victim Rasheed Soyinka.

The successful mission spanned over 40 kilometers of forested terrain in the outskirts of Abuja.

Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama reported on Friday that Soyinka was taken at gunpoint from his home in Sabon Lugbe during the early hours of July 3. The abduction, which occurred around 1:00 a.m., triggered an immediate multi-agency response.

In the hours that followed, a combined team comprising DSS personnel, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and community-based security groups launched a search-and-rescue operation.

Their efforts extended from Dafara through Gau Forest in Kuje Area Council and into the Kabin Mongoro and Kwaita forests within Kwali Area Council—an area covering approximately 40 kilometres.

“Following sustained pressure and professional coordination, the victim was rescued at about 12:05 a.m. on July 4 without any casualties,” said the sources.

Soyinka has since been reunited with his family through his elder brother while authorities say the search for the suspects remains ongoing.