Operatives of Kogi State Police Command attached to Quick Response Unit have rescued a total of 13 kidnap victims made up of 11 males and two females.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the victims were kidnapped in a hotel at Eleite Area, along Ajaokuta road, on Saturday, March 25, 2023.
The police image maker in the command, SP William Ovye Aya, who spoke on the rescue in a statement on Tuesday, March 28, said that the development was sequel to the order by the state Commissioner of Police, Akeem Yusuf, that all victims should be rescued unhurt.
The PPRO said that in response to the order, the Quick Response Unit operatives, led by the Commander, SP Obafemi Ojo, promptly swung into action.
Through a credible intelligence, the operatives reportedly located the kidnappers’ hideout in a forest around Zariagi-Kabba Junction, according to the PPRO.
“On sighting the police, the hoodlums engaged them in a gun duel. Owing to the superior firepower of the police, the hoodlums were forced to flee with varying degrees of injuries, while 13 victims were rescued unhurt.
“One AK-47 magazine containing six rounds of ammunition was recovered from the scene,” he stated.
Commending the operatives for their bravery and diligence, the Commissioner of Police urged members of the public, particularly the adjoining communities, to be on the lookout and report anyone seen with bullet wounds to the nearest security formation or agencies.
The police boss enjoined the people of Kogi State to continue to cooperate with the police and provide credible information on the activities of criminal elements so as to curtail their acts.