Imo Kidnap: IG Deploys DIG, 2 CPs, Intensify Rescue Operations

Following the kidnap of passengers and prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State, the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu has deployed a Deputy Inspector General of Police and two other Commissioners of Police to quicken the rescue efforts.

This is even as the Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, has confirmed that the gunmen have reached out to him and demanded ₦50million for each of the victims, totaling ₦950million for the 20 kidnapped prospective corp members.

Two full-loaded commercial buses from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, were attacked by gunmen at about 6:30am, at Umunoha, at a spot known as “No man’s land,” Ogbaku in Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State.

Spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, had on Thursday, confirmed the attack on two buses and kidnap of the travellers, including prospective National Youth Service Corps members, travelling from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State by fleeing gunmen.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, in a statement said Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada and the Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; and the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; as well as other Service Commanders and members of the management team of the Imo State Police Command were on ground.

Iniedu said the search-and-rescue operation had “been further intensified, with additional deployments of tactical teams and operational assets across identified areas, backed by intelligence-led tracking of the suspects. The police are working in close coordination with sister security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and the apprehension of the perpetrators.”

Already, the police has reviewed the operational strategies, deployment of personnel as well as operational assets, and provided further directives to strengthen the coordinated response.

Meanwhile, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada has assured members of the public that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to securing the safe rescue of the 20 abducted persons and will sustain the operation until the mission is successfully concluded.

Iniedu said the Police DIG and Commissioners of Police have conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation while the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts of the Command CP.

Meanwhile, the police has appealed to members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant and encourage anyone with credible information that can assist the operation, to promptly contact the Police or the nearest security formation, saying all information received will be treated with strict confidentiality.