A gang of suspected kidnappers have abandoned three kidnapped female victims while fleeing the onslaught of operatives of the Delta State Police Command.
The kidnappers abandoned their victims on Monday, March 25, 2024, in the thick forest of Egbudu-Akah community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state, when they were overpowered in a shootout with a combined security team including men of the vigilante.
The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe in a statement said the kidnappers were sighted with their female victims by a hunter (name withheld) in the thick forest of Egbudu-Akah community, who “quickly ran out from the bush and reported what he had seen to the police”.
“Upon receiving this information, the DPO in a meticulously coordinated operation, mobilized his patrol team and men of the vigilante, as they charged swiftly into the forest on a rescue mission.
“While the operatives were about to draw close to the den of these kidnappers, they were sighted by the suspected kidnappers which necessitated the criminals to take to their hills as they exchanged fire with the team of officers in a bid to escape.
“In the process of the exchange of fire, one of the suspected kidnappers was arrested and all three kidnapped female victims were rescued and taken to the hospital for medical attention.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that all the victims were kidnapped on their way to the hospital. It was also revealed that the said suspected kidnappers earlier demanded fifteen million naira (#15 Million) ransom for their release.
“Upon search of the scene, the following exhibits were recovered: 3 cutlasses, 2 TECNO phones, solar panel, power bank, charms, 2 torch lights, and some other food items.
“Meanwhile, the suspect and exhibit have been transferred to SCIID for further investigations,” said Edafe in the statement.
