Police Dismiss Kidnap Scare at Abuja Primary School, Describe Incident as False Alarm

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed reports of an alleged kidnapping incident at Phase 1 Primary School in Gbagalape, Abuja, describing the development as a false alarm that unnecessarily triggered panic among pupils, teachers and residents of the area.

The clarification was issued on Thursday following widespread concern after reports emerged suggesting that suspected kidnappers had invaded the school premises. According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, officers attached to the Nyanya Division received a distress call at about 10:30 a.m. alleging that kidnappers had entered the school.

She explained that upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately mobilised police personnel and surveillance teams to the location to assess the situation and ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Nyanya Division, immediately mobilised officers and surveillance teams to the scene,” Adeh said.

Preliminary investigations, however, revealed that the alarm originated when some pupils suddenly began shouting “kidnappers” and fled from the school premises, causing confusion and fear among members of staff and nearby residents.

The unexpected commotion led to a rapid security response, with police operatives cordoning off the school environment while conducting a comprehensive search of the premises. According to the Command, officers thoroughly searched classrooms, school facilities and surrounding areas to determine whether any security threat existed.

“Following extensive search and questioning of persons within and around the school premises, no kidnapping incident was established, no suspect was sighted and no victim was identified,” the police spokesperson stated.

Adeh further disclosed that security teams expanded their search operations to nearby hills, boundary areas and adjoining communities as part of precautionary measures aimed at ruling out any potential threat.

Police officers also visited neighbouring schools within the vicinity to reassure school authorities and maintain public confidence.

The Command subsequently urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports capable of creating fear and tension within communities.

“The Command therefore urges members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic and tension within communities,” Adeh said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, encouraged residents to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

He reiterated the commitment of the Command to safeguarding lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory while assuring residents that security agencies remain vigilant and prepared to respond swiftly to genuine emergencies.