Abuja kidnapper: Gunshots as police rescue Abuja abductee, arrest kidnapper
On Thursday, a tense exchange of gunfire unfolded as police successfully rescued Segun Akinyemi, an Abuja resident who was abducted while leaving his home.
The kidnappers, en route from Abuja to Kano State, were intercepted by the police in Kaduna, according to ASP Mansir Hassan, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer.
Operatives from the Kawo Divisional Headquarters received a distress call on January 18, 2024, alerting them to the kidnapping incident. The culprits and their victim were reported to be passing through Kaduna.
At around 0010 hours, the police blocked a grey Toyota Hilux van suspected to be transporting the kidnappers and their victim.
In an attempt to escape, one of the kidnappers fired at the police, leading to a gunfight.
The victim, Segun Akinyemi of Garki, Abuja, was successfully rescued, and a 28-year-old kidnapper, Chinaza Philip of Life Camp Abuja, was arrested.
The police are actively pursuing the three other suspects who managed to escape. Recovered items include the victim’s vehicle, two Retay G17 model pistols, one Beretta pistol, 10 9mm P.A.K ammunition, and five 9mm special ammunition.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the abduction occurred on January 17, 2024, as Akinyemi was leaving his home.
The escaped suspects are identified as Chidibere Nwodibo of Life Camp, Abuja; an individual named Auwal with an unknown surname, and the unidentified gang leader.
The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Police Command, A. D. Ali, commended the operatives for their bravery and urged them to continue pursuing criminal elements in the state. He also encouraged the public to use security agencies’ hotlines for prompt responses to distress calls.