Operatives of Joint Security team comprising the Police, Military and Vigilante on Monday night killed one suspected kidnapper, and rescued a victim taken by the gang in Ihiala.
A press release by the state police command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga stated that other members of the gang abandoned their operational vehicle and fled, when the team confronted them.
He said: “On Monday night, operatives of the joint security while on patrol intercepted a black shuttle with reg nos: RSH 255MS that drove in a suspicious manner.
“In an attempt to stop the vehicle, the armed occupants opened fire on the Joint Security team.
“During the gun duel, the Joint Security team demobilised one of the armed assailants while four others abandoned the shuttle bus and escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds via a nearby bush.
“The Operatives on searching the vehicle found a blindfolded victim, suspected to have been kidnapped and who was tied on the hand and legs while his mouth was sealed.
“The victim was successfully rescued, given first aid and debriefed by the Police operatives. Also, the vehicle was recovered and the Joint Security Team are still in an operation in the area for possible arrest of others on the run.”
The command called on all proprietors of private and public hospitals in the area to admit patients with gunshot injuries, but report to the nearest police station.
He said: “This measure is critical to the ongoing effort to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further escalation of criminal activities in the State.”
