Imo State Police Command officers rescued the Director of Dutch Global Gas Station Limited from kidnappers along Akwakuma Road in the state’s Owerri West Local Government Area.
According to Michael Abattam, the state Police Public Relations Officer, the victims were rescued on Wednesday around 1255 hours, following a distress call that the Director of Dutch Global Gas Station Limited had been kidnapped by five armed men who trailed, double-crossed, and blocked his vehicle, a G-Wagon jeep with a sky blue Lexus Jeep with registration number withheld.
According to Abattam, the victim was taken while travelling with a friend.
He added that the hoodlums shot sporadically into the air to scare passers-by before whisking their target away in their vehicle.
The police spokesman said Immediately the command’s tactical teams on patrol within the axis were alerted, they sped to the area, giving the hoodlums a hot chase.
“Joined by other tactical teams, the kidnappers on sighting their numbers and the pressure mounted, felt threatened, hence, they abandoned their vehicle with the victims and fled into hiding. The victims were rescued unhurt and have since reunited with their families.
“The victim’s G-Wagon jeep was later recovered at the scene with three expended cartridges. While efforts are on top gear to arrest the fleeing suspects,” the statement read in part.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Hussaini, commended the officers and men for their gallantry.
“CP thanked Imolites for their cooperation and supports, urging to them to continue to assist the police with credible information and report any suspicious person or activities seen within their neighbourhoods to the nearest police station or call the Police command emergency numbers 08034773600 or 08098880197 in time of distress,” the statement added.