The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued 58 kidnapped victims held hostage at Udulu Forest, Gegu LGA of Kogi state, bordering Sardauna Forest, Nasarawa state, and other identified kidnappers den in communities contiguous to the FCT.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Command, SP Josephine Adeh, made this known in a press statement in Abuja.
She said, the kidnappers on sighting the security team, coordinated by the Police, opened fire resulting in a shootout with the suspects, who were overpowered, escaping with various degrees of bullet injuries and leaving behind their victims.
“The rescue is part of efforts by the Command leadership, in a sustained joint operation with other security agencies and, vigilantes and hunters from the various local communities, to combat violent crimes in the FCT, rescue victims and bring perpetrators to book,” she added.
According to SP Adeh, “The Commissioner of Police, FCT Police Command, CP Haruna Garba, has vowed that, while effort is being sustained to prevent any further threats to 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.
“The CP calls for the cooperation of residents, especially in being security conscious and giving credible information to the Police.”
The spokesperson further stated that the remains of Tama Jonathan, who sustained injury during the rescue operation and died, have been released to his family for burial.
This is as the other 58 rescued victims were being stabilised in the hospital and would be reunited with their families, she added.
The PPRO further stated that the CP urged residents to be vigilant, and make prompt rendition of complaints through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883, while the Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) desk, could be reached on: 0902 222 2352.
