Four men reportedly kidnapped in Anambra on Friday, 08 March have been rescued by the Nigerian Police.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement, said, “The police, while on patrol and snap checks with the local vigilante, intercepted the kidnappers along Amagu Awgbu Road in Orumba North LGA as they were heading towards an exit route from the state.
“The gang, which opened fire sporadically upon sighting the patrol team, bowed to police-vigilante superior firepower. Two of the three vehicles the gang operated with were demobilized.
“While remnants of the gang escaped in the third vehicle, other gangsters fled into the bush on foot with bullet wounds. One pump action gun was recovered during the encounter.
“Also recovered were two SUVs: one 2017 edition Toyota Highlander with Reg No. Abuja GWA 141 KZ and one Mercedes Benz GLK 350 4Matic with Registration Number Anambra AGU 242 NQ.
“Preliminary inquiry revealed that the number plates on the Mercedes-Benz SUV were issued to a Toyota Sienna Spacewagon vehicle.
“Four abducted victims were rescued unhurt from the gang.
“Preliminary debriefing to ascertain the circumstances of their abduction is ongoing.
Ikenga said the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, who described the rescue of the victims as heroic, has commended the effective collaboration between police and vigilantes across the state. He emphasised that once the protection of the citizenry is the focus, the police will work seamlessly with all relevant stakeholders to eradicate all vestiges of threat that may be confronting the people.
“The CP has also directed that the case be transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Awkuzu.
“He has mandated the unit to deploy its expertise in tracking down gang members who escaped the onslaught at Awgbu and bring them to justice, the PPRO noted.
