Police free 58 hostages after raiding kidnappers’ hideout

The Gegu LGA in Kogi State, the Sardauna Forest in Nasarawa State, and other kidnappers’ hideouts in nearby communities have been identified by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command as places where 58 kidnapped victims were being held hostage.

The bandits/kidnappers opened fire at the security team after spotting it, according to the Command’s spokeswoman, SP Josephine Adeh: “The shootout ensued when the bandits/kidnappers spotted the security team coordinated by the Police.

“The robbers were beaten, and after fleeing with varying degrees of bullet wounds, they left behind their victims.

“The rescue is a part of the Command leadership’s ongoing joint operations with other security agencies, vigilantes, and hunters from different local communities to combat violent crimes in the FCT, rescue victims, and apprehend offenders,” the statement reads.

The FCT Police Command’s Commissioner of Police, CP Haruna Garba, has vowed to continue his efforts to thwart any new threats to the safety and security of the city’s citizens.

In addition, “The Command would not give up until every resident held hostage by criminals was freed, and the perpetrators were brought to justice.

Residents were urged to work with the CP, particularly by being security-conscious and providing the Police with reliable information.

However, Tama Jonathan was hurt during the rescue effort and tragically passed away there and then.

“His family was subsequently granted access to his remains for burial.

“The other 58 rescued victims are being stabilised in the hospital and will be reunited with their families,” the statement continued.

The Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) desk could be reached at 0902 222 2352, and the CP urged residents to be watchful and file complaints promptly through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883.