police free 58 victims in kidnappers’ hideout raid

A kidnap victim identified as Tama Jonathan has been killed during a gun duel between operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command and some kidnappers.

Disclosing this in a statement on Sunday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the operation led to the rescue of at least 58 abductees.

The victims, according to her, were held hostage at Udulu Forest in the Gegu Local Government Area of Kogi State, bordering Sardauna Forest in Nasarawa State, and other identified kidnappers’ dens in communities bordering the FCT.

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Adeh said, “The bandits and kidnappers, upon sighting the security team coordinated by the police, opened fire, thereby leading to a gun battle. But they were overpowered and escaped with bullet injuries, leaving behind their victims.

“Meanwhile, one Tama Jonathan, unfortunately, sustained injury during the rescue operation and died on the spot. His remains have subsequently been released to his family for burial. The other 58 rescued victims are being stabilised at the hospital and would be reunited with their families.

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“The rescue is part of efforts by the command’s leadership, in a sustained joint operation with other security agencies, vigilantes, and hunters from the various local communities, to combat violent crimes in the FCT, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to book.

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“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Haruna Garba, has vowed that, while efforts are sustained to prevent any further threats 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 would also bring the perpetrators to book.”