In a recent operation, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) rescued 58 kidnapped victims who were being held hostage at Udulu Forest in Gegu LGA of Kogi State. The kidnappers’ den was located near Sardauna Forest in Nasarawa State and other identified kidnappers’ dens in communities contiguous to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The successful operation was conducted by the Police in a joint effort with other security agencies, vigilantes and hunters from the various local communities.
During the rescue operation, the bandits/kidnappers on sighting the security team coordinated by the Police, fired at the security team, which resulted in a shootout duel. However, the bandits were overpowered and they escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries leaving behind their victims. Unfortunately, one of the victims, Tama Jonathan, sustained injury during the rescue operation and died on the spot. His remains have subsequently been released to his family for burial.
The Police have taken the other 58 rescued victims to the hospital for stabilisation and they will be reunited with their families shortly. The FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the rescue was part of efforts by the FCT Command leadership in a sustained joint operation with other security agencies to combat violent crimes in the FCT, rescue victims and bring perpetrators to book.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Police Command, CP Haruna Garba, has vowed that, while effort was being sustained to prevent any further threat to the safety and security of residents, the command would also not relent in ensuring the rescue of any resident held hostage by criminals and as well bring the perpetrators to book. He called for the cooperation of residents, especially in being security conscious and giving credible information to the Police