Kogi: Victim rescued as police kill two kidnappers in gun duel

• One AK 49 Rifle with 14 Rounds of live ammunition was recovered
• Other suspects escaped with bullet wounds

Two of the kidnap suspects terrorising Nigeria’s middle belt state of Kogi have been neutralised by security personnel.

The duo were killed by men of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with local vigilantes.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya disclosed this in a statement on Monday evening.

Aya said the gallant officers who also rescued one kidnap victim, recovered one AK rifle with 14 rounds of live ammunition.

The recent achievement of the command to rid Kogi State of criminal activities according to Aya was in compliance with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, in Kogi State, Onuoha Bethrand to sustain the tempo on the ongoing onslaughts against criminal elements and to deny them safe haven in the state.

Part of the statement reads, ”The Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to Ife-Olukotun in an intelligence-led operation in collaboration with the local vigilantes rescued one kidnapped victim, neutralized two kidnappers and recovered one AK 49 Rifle with 14 Rounds of live ammunition.

“This was consequent upon a report that, some hoodlums invaded a Camp of one Yahaya of Igbo-Ero in Ife-Olukotun and kidnapped him. It was further revealed that the hoodlums kidnapped another victim which they later released after robbing him of one ram.

“The Divisional Police Officer promptly swung into action and mobilized a team of operatives in collaboration with the local vigilantes following intelligence stormed their hideout. On sighting the joint team, the hoodlums opened fire on them.

“During the gun duel that ensued, two suspected kidnappers were neutralized, the victim was rescued and one AK 49 Rifle with 14 Rounds of live ammunition was recovered. While other suspects escaped with bullet wounds. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects”.

The Police Spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police while commending the joint Police and Vigilantes team for the breakthrough reiterated his determination to sustain the ongoing onslaughts against criminal elements and to deny them haven to operate in the state.

He admonished members of the public to always collaborate with the security forces to ensure adequate security of lives and property in Kogi State.