The victims were said to be rescued from two different gangs of kidnappers in Abuja, which operated in Kuje Forest and hills between Karmo to Gwagwa.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command says its combined team of Special Intervention Squad and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit rescued at least five abductees from the kidnappers’ den.
The victims were said to be rescued from two different gangs of kidnappers in Abuja, which operated in Kuje Forest and hills between Karmo to Gwagwa.
This was contained in statement signed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, during a press conference.
She said; "On 27/01/2024 at about 11:30pm, a distress call was received at Iddo Division that, sounds of gunshot were heard around Sabon Lugbe axis. Police patrol team were drafted to the scene where one Blessing Eze 'F' was met with a bullet wound on her shoulder inside a Toyota corolla car with RSH 724 KC, black in colour.
"The said blessing explained that, she and her husband one Joshua Eze where returning back home when some hoodlums in unknown vehicle double cross them, fired gun at their vehicle and abducted her husband to unknown destination. In response, IGHP Special Intervention Squad (SIS), police anti- kidnapping unit of the command and other tactical section swung into action. Victim was rescued unhurt at Kuje Forest on 28/01/2024 at about 06:20pm.
"In a related development, on 28/01/2024 at about 05:30am, one Peter Ede in company of one Thankgod Ogunyi all males of Piwoyi Lugbe reported at Karmo Division that, on same date at about 01:50am while praying at Idu Gbagyi mountain Karmo, some criminal elements numbering about seven armed with guns and cutlasses attacked them and abducted three (3) of their members to unknown destination.
"On receipt of the report, police operatives from Karmo Division led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Abaya Haruna swiftly mobilised to the scene, combed the surrounding bushes and hills between Karmo to Gwagwa, engaged the hoodlums in a serious gun duel. The three (3) victims namely one Igbodi Emeka ‘M’, Precious Uche 'F' and Eric Chukwudi 'M' were rescued unhurt.
"I wish to inform the general public that several heinous crimes have been prevented by the police Command without people knowing. The FCT Police Command is always committed and willing to work with you (residents of the FCT) to defeat crime and criminality in all its forms in the Federal Capital Territory.
"What we need most is your understanding and cooperation. Our emergency numbers are out on public domains for prompt reporting of any suspicious activities," the statement added.