The Police Command in Abia has successfully rescued four local kidnap victims and neutralized six members of a kidnapping gang, according to the state’s Police Commissioner (CP), Mr. Danladi Isa.
Isa made this announcement on Saturday at the Abia Government House, Umuahia, during the presentation of the rescued victims to Governor Alex Otti.
He attributed the successful operation to the governor’s unwavering support, highlighting the results of his investment in local security agencies, including the Police.
The command received a report on March 9 regarding the abduction of four young men around 09:30 a.m.
Isa explained that the victims were driving their Toyota RAV4 along New Umuahia Road, Obingwa, when the kidnappers intercepted them, forcing them to stop at gunpoint before abducting them.
He stated that the command’s Tactical Team, utilizing credible intelligence and advanced technology, located the kidnappers’ hideout in Osokwa, Osisioma Ngwa LGA, on March 14.
Upon arrival at the hideout, where the victims were held for five days in a three-bedroom bungalow, the kidnappers engaged the police in a gun battle.
According to him, six criminals were neutralized due to the tactical team’s superior firepower, and the four victims were rescued unharmed.
The police chief noted that the team recovered two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 34 rounds of live ammunition from the criminals.
He further mentioned that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other gang members who fled during the operation.
In a remark, the governor expressed gratitude to government functionaries who supported the operation and commended the police for their bravery, commitment, and effective use of technology to secure the state.
He praised the CP and his team for rescuing the victims unharmed and promised a handsome reward for the tactical team.
Otti pledged to continue upgrading security technology and to do everything possible to ensure that the state remains safe.
“I know that in the near future, we will have a command and control center in the state capital. We have already made significant progress in its construction.
“I have also instructed that the bungalow in Osokwa, Osisioma LGA, where the kidnappers operated and held their victims, should be completely demolished.
“We will locate the owner of the house and prosecute him,” he said.
He emphasized that the state would no longer tolerate landlords who rent out property for criminal activities, asserting that such landlords are also criminals.
Otti assured residents that Abia would remain safe for everyone who wishes to live or do business in the state.
One of the rescued victims told reporters that they were kidnapped after their friend had been abducted earlier that same day in front of his house.
He shared that they could hear children playing and construction work from where they were held, which indicated that people lived nearby.
The victim, whose identity was not disclosed, also mentioned that the kidnappers held them for five days without food until the police arrived and rescued them.
