The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has freed 58 hostages who were being held captive in the Udulu Forest, Gegu LGA of Kogi State, bordering Sardauna Forest, Nasarawa State, and other kidnappers’ hideouts in nearby communities.
A shootout ensued after the bandits or kidnappers spotted the security team that had been organised by the police, according to the command’s spokeswoman, SP Josephine Adeh.
The robbers were defeated and forced to flee while suffering varying degrees of bullet wounds, leaving their victims behind.
The rescue is a part of the Command leadership’s ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes in the FCT, rescue victims, and apprehend offenders. These efforts are being carried out in a joint operation with other security agencies, vigilantes, and hunters from different local communities.
“CP Haruna Garba, the commissioner of the FCT Police Command, has promised to continue making efforts to thwart any new threats to the safety and security of residents.
“The Command would also not give up trying to free any resident held hostage by criminals and bring the offenders to justice.
“The CP requested the assistance of the residents, particularly in being security-conscious and providing the Police with reliable information.
Tama Jonathan, unfortunately, was hurt during the rescue effort and passed away immediately.
After that, his family was given permission to bury his remains.
The other 58 victims who were saved are being stabilised in the hospital and will be reunited with their families, according to the report.
“The CP urged residents to exercise caution and promptly report complaints through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883, while the Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) desk, could be contacted on: 0902 222 2352.”
