The Kogi State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed that its operatives have neutralized two kidnappers, and rescued one abducted victim.
In a press statement signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye-Aya, in Lokoja on Monday, the police said its men also recovered one AK 49 rifle with 14 rounds of live ammunition.
Confirming the incident, the Police spokesperson said the Force received a distress call that one Yahaya had been attacked and abducted by some hoodlums in Igbo-Ero of Ife-Olukotun, adding that the hoodlums also kidnapped another victim which they later released after robbing him of one ram.
SP Aya said, “In compliance with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Onuoha Bethrand C. to sustain the tempo on the ongoing onslaughts against criminal elements and to deny them safe haven in the State, the Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to Ife-Olukotun in an intelligence-led operation in collaboration with the Local Vigilantes rescued one kidnapped Victim, neutralized two kidnappers and recovered one AK 49 Rifle with 14 Rounds of live ammunition.
According to him, the Police team in collaboration with local vigilante group following intelligence stormed their hideout.
He said the suspected kidnappers sighted the securitymen around the area and engaged them in a gun duel so in order to escape.
The spokesperson said two of the kidnappers were neutralized by the joint operation team while others escaped with bullet wounds.
“The Divisional Police Officer promptly swung into action, mobilized team of operatives in collaboration with the Local Vigilantes following intelligence stormed their hideout. On sighting the joint team, the hoodlums opened fire on them.”
“During the gun duel that ensued, two suspected kidnappers were neutralized the victim was rescued and one AK 49 Rifle with 14 Rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
Aya expressed confidence that the fleeing suspects would be apprehended soon.
Aya said CP Onuoha Bethrand while commending the joint operation team for their gallantry, expressed his determination to sustain the ongoing onslaught against criminal elements and to deny them safe heaven to operate in the State.
“The Commissioner of Police while commending the joint Police and Vigilantes team for the breakthrough, reiterates his determination to sustain the ongoing onslaught against criminal elements and to deny them safe heaven to operate in the State.”
The CP enjoined members of the public to continue to collaborate with Security Forces to ensure adequate security of lives and properties in the State.
