The Police have rescued a kidnapped octogenarian, arrested 12 kidnappers and neutralised six in strings of well-coordinated operations in Abuja and Jigawa.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement issued Monday said the operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in a coordinated joint operation, have successfully dismantled a notorious armed robbery and carjacking syndicate known for a string of high-profile robberies and vehicle thefts across the capital.
He explained that acting on credible intelligence, the operatives intercepted the gang as they prepared to strike an unsuspecting victim around Maitama area.
Adejobi noted that upon sighting the operatives, the criminals opened fire, leading to a gun duel.
He stressed that one of the gang’s most wanted suspects, Abdulmininu Bello a.k.a. Babanle, was neutralised during the encounter.
Adejobi added that seven other suspects were apprehended at the scene, including Ibrahim Muhammad, 22 years and ex-convict; Abubakar Abdullahi, 22 years; Sarajo Yusuf, 20 years; Sanusi Ali, 51 years; Abubakar Sani; Isiaka Adamu, another ex-convict and Abdullahi Isah.
He said exhibits recovered from the scene included; Four AK-47 rifles, two locally made pistols with ten rounds of live 9mm ammunition, eleven rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, one locally made shotgun, 2004 Toyota Camry LE, and a red boxer motorcycle,
Adejobi added: “In a similar development, the Jigawa State Police Command has successfully rescued an 80-year-old kidnap victim, Hajiya Hajara, and neutralised five members of a kidnapping gang in a daring rescue operation.
“Recently, intelligence at the Command’s disposal revealed that a group of about twelve armed bandits had abducted the elderly woman from her residence in Sarbi Village, Minjibir LGA, Kano, and had attempted to escape through Jigawa State.”
The force Spokesperson said in a swift and coordinated response, combined teams of police operatives attached to the Jigawa State Command mobilised alongside other local security outfits stormed the suspected criminal hideouts between Danzomo and Medi villages.
“A fierce gun battle ensued resulting in the arrest of five suspects, including the gang’s kingpin, Yahaya, 35 years and five other suspects were neutralised during the exchange of fire,” he revealed.
Adejobi said the kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt and taken to the hospital for medical evaluation, after which, she was discharged.
Exhibits recovered in the operation include two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated LAR rifle, fourteen live rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, and two mobile phones.