The Nasarawa State Police Command has foiled an abduction attempt by suspected kidnappers with four residents of Andaha community of Akwanga Local Government Area (LGA) of the state rescued.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ramhan Nansel, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Lafia.
According to Nansel, operatives of the command attached to Andaha Division in the local government successfully rescued the four victims during swift tactical response to a distress call.
The police reportedly received a distress call on Tuesday, at about 9; 40 p.m., that suspected kidnappers were operating around Megona Filling Station, Andaha, along the Akwanga-Jos Road.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene.
“On sighting the police, the armed hoodlums opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun duel and the police responded with superior tactical firepower, forcing the criminals to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of injuries.
“The four kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, while several provisions believed to have been stolen from a nearby provision store were recovered and taken into police custody.” He said.
Nansel quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, as commending the gallantry and swift response of the operatives, describing it as a testament to the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.
Mohammed said that the command would continue an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects, while directing all available operational and intelligence assets to be deployed to ensure their immediate arrest and prosecution.
“The manhunt is in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters, with sustained bush-combing operations currently underway to apprehend the criminals,” he said.
The commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information that would aid security agencies in combating crime across the state.