The Abia State Police Command has successfully rescued four kidnap victims and neutralized six suspected kidnappers in a coordinated operation, the state’s Commissioner of Police (CP), Danladi Isa, confirmed on Saturday.
Speaking at the Abia Government House in Umuahia while presenting the rescued victims to Governor Alex Otti, CP Isa attributed the success to the governor’s continued investment in security infrastructure and support for law enforcement agencies.
According to the police commissioner, the command received a report on March 9 regarding the abduction of four young men along New Umuahia Road, Obingwa, at approximately 9:30 a.m. The victims were forced to stop at gunpoint and taken to an undisclosed location.
Following intelligence gathering and technological tracking, police operatives traced the kidnappers’ hideout to a three-bedroom bungalow in Osokwa, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area. On March 14, tactical officers stormed the location, engaging the criminals in a fierce gunfight that resulted in the deaths of six kidnappers. The four victims were rescued unharmed.
During the operation, security operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 34 rounds of live ammunition. Efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang who managed to escape.
Governor Otti commended the police for their bravery and the successful operation. He assured continued government support for security forces and pledged rewards for the officers involved in the mission.
“I have directed that the bungalow where the kidnappers held their victims be demolished immediately. The owner of the house will also be investigated and prosecuted,” Otti stated.
He further warned landlords against renting their properties to criminals, stressing that those found guilty of enabling criminal activities would face legal consequences.
One of the rescued victims recounted their ordeal, revealing that they were held for five days without food. He noted that the kidnappers’ hideout was in a residential area, as they could hear children and construction work nearby.
Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining security and ensuring that Abia remains safe for residents and businesses.