From JOHN FWAH, Kaduna
Kaduna State Police operatives have denied criminal elements any active space, as personnel of the Command rescued a victim kidnapped from Abuja, arrested one of the kidnappers, recovered the victim’s vehicle and the kidnappers’ operational firearms.
ASP Mansur Hassan, PPRO, said in a release on behalf of the State Commissioner of Police, A.D. Ali and made available to our correspondent.
It said, On Wednesday 18th January, 2024, operatives attached to Kawo Divisional Headquarters, Kaduna, received a distress call of a kidnapping incident from Abuja indicating the culprits and their victim were transiting through Kaduna.
The operatives at about 0010 hours blocked a grey Toyota Hilux van, registration number Abuja RBC 90 DC with four passengers, the driver inclusive, suspected to be the vehicle conveying the kidnappers and their victim.
On sensing danger and in an effort to escape, one of the kidnappers fired at the policemen and they responded accordingly. In the resulting gun duel, the victim, a certain Segun Akinyemi of Block 10, Flat 2 FCDA Quarters, Area 3 Garki, Abuja, was rescued and one of the kidnappers, a 28 year old Chinaza Philip of Life Camp Abuja was arrested while three others escaped although trailed. Equally, the said vehicle belonging to the victim, two numbers of Retay G17 model pistol, one Berretta pistol, ten 9mm P.A.K ammunition and five 9mm special ammunition were recovered from the kidnappers.
Preliminary inquiries revealed that the victim was abducted at about 1700 hours on the 17th January, 2024 by the kidnappers just when he was leaving his home situated at the aforementioned address. The three escapees were; Chidibere Nwodibo of Life Camp Abuja, one Auwal Surname unknown and the gang leader whose identity is yet to be ascertained. The kidnappers were transporting their victim to Kano before they were intercepted by the police.
The Commissioner of Police while commending the operatives for the brave feat, still tasked them to continuously go after criminal elements in the state. He calls on the members of the public to avail themselves with security agencies hotlines for any distress call requiring prompt response.
