Police debunk reports of kidnapping in Abuja school

Authorities have refuted claims of an attempted kidnapping at a primary school in Abuja, urging the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could incite panic.

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On the 4th of June, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m, officers of the FCT Police Command attached to Nyanya Division received a distress call alleging an ongoing kidnapping incident at Phase 1 Primary School, Gbagalape, Abuja.

Reports circulated on Thursday alleging an attempted abduction of pupils at Phase 1 Primary School in the Gbagalape area of Nyanya. The FCT Police Command, however, stated that extensive searches and investigations in the community yielded no evidence of such an incident or any arrests.

According to a police statement, officers responded to a distress call about students shouting "kidnappers" and fleeing the school premises. This created panic among teachers and the community. A thorough search of the school and surrounding areas, including nearby hills and boundaries, was conducted. Police also visited adjacent schools as a precautionary measure.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that students had suddenly started shouting “kidnappers” and running out of the school premises, creating panic among teachers and members of the community.

Despite the thorough investigation, no kidnapping incident was established, no suspect was sighted, and no victim was identified. The police command appealed to the public to remain calm and to report any suspicious activities promptly to the nearest police station.

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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 alleged incident caused significant concern, with some parents rushing to schools to pick up their children. Some schools also sent pupils home early as a precaution. The FCT Education Secretariat stated it had not received any official report regarding the alleged kidnapping.

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Police urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could create unnecessary panic and tension within communities.