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

The victim, identified as Abubakar Kabiru, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Friday after armed kidnappers invaded his residence at Nila Forest Camp in Ayegunle Gbede and took him into the nearby forest.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the Divisional Police Officer of Ayetoro Gbede Division 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 rescue the victim.

The statement said the security team tracked the kidnappers to the Olle-Bunu Forest, where they engaged the criminals in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

During the operation, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed, while the remaining members of the gang fled into the forest, abandoning their captive.

The police disclosed that the rescued victim sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment.

The Command also recovered the body of the slain suspect and an Italian-made pump-action gun bearing breach number 5882, which has been taken Into police custody as evidence. The suspect’s remains have been deposited at the General Hospital Mortuary in Ayetoro Gbede.

Commending the operatives and local vigilantes for their bravery and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to intensify efforts against kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kogi State.

He assured residents that security operatives are pursuing the fleeing suspects with a view to arresting them and dismantling the criminal network behind the attack.

The Commissioner also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid the fight against crime in the state. (Nigerian Tribune)

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