The Abia State Police Command has rescued four kidnap victims and neutralized six suspected kidnappers in a successful operation.
This was disclosed by the state Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, during a briefing at the Abia Government House in Umuahia on Saturday, where he presented the rescued victims to Governor Alex Otti.
According to the police commissioner, the operation followed a report received on March 9 about the abduction of four young men.
The victims were reportedly driving a Toyota RAV4 along New Umuahia Road in Obingwa when they were intercepted and kidnapped at gunpoint.
Acting on credible intelligence and technological support, the command’s tactical team traced the kidnappers to a hideout in a three-bedroom bungalow in Osokwa, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area.
On March 14, the police stormed the location, engaging the criminals in a fierce gun battle.
Six suspected kidnappers were killed, and all four victims were rescued unharmed.
During the operation, the police recovered two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 34 rounds of live ammunition.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other gang members who escaped during the raid.
Governor Otti, while commending the police for their bravery and professionalism, expressed gratitude to all those who supported the operation.
He also promised a handsome reward for the tactical team and pledged to continue investing in security infrastructure, including the establishment of a command and control center in Umuahia.
The governor also ordered the demolition of the kidnappers’ hideout and vowed to prosecute the property owner.
He warned that landlords who rent out properties to criminals would also be held accountable, declaring that Abia State would no longer tolerate such practices.
One of the rescued victims revealed that they had been abducted shortly after their friend was kidnapped earlier that day.
He said they were held for five days without food and could hear children and construction nearby, suggesting the house was in a populated area.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his commitment to making Abia safe for residents and investors alike.