Police Rescue Kidnap Victim, Neutralise Suspect In Kogi Forest Operation

A joint security team in Kogi State has rescued a kidnapped victim, neutralised a suspected kidnapper and recovered an Italian-made pump-action gun during a rescue operation in Ayegunle Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of the state.

The operation followed the abduction of one Abubakar Kabiru, who was reportedly whisked away by armed kidnappers from his residence at Nila Forest Camp, Ayegunle Gbede, in the early hours of Friday.

According to the Kogi State Police Command, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ayetoro Gbede swiftly mobilised a joint team comprising Police operatives, personnel of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), officers on Special Duty and local vigilantes to trail the kidnappers into the Olle-Bunu Forest.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said the security operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, during which one of the suspects was neutralised.

She said the remaining members of the gang fled into the forest with gunshot wounds, abandoning the victim, who was rescued alive.
“The rescued victim is currently receiving treatment for a gunshot injury sustained during the incident,” the statement said.

The Police spokesperson added that the operatives recovered the corpse of the neutralised suspect and an Italian-made pump-action gun with breach number 5882 during the operation.

According to her, the suspect’s remains have been deposited at the General Hospital Mortuary, Ayetoro Gbede, while the recovered firearm has been taken into Police custody as an exhibit.

Commending the bravery and professionalism of the security operatives and local vigilantes, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining its offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

The police commissioner assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network behind the abduction.

He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance the fight against criminality in the state.