The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 52-year-old man suspected of being involved in a kidnapping operation within the state, following an intelligence-led security operation carried out by police operatives.
The suspect was apprehended during a coordinated raid by officers of the Command’s tactical unit on a suspected kidnappers’ hideout located in a forested area around Old Umuahia, Abia State.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the operation was launched based on credible intelligence on the activities of a kidnapping syndicate operating in parts of the state. She explained that the team engaged the suspects in a gun duel upon arrival at the hideout, forcing several members of the gang to flee.
One suspect, identified as a 52-year-old male, was arrested at the scene while others escaped with varying degrees of injuries.
During the operation, a kidnapped victim was successfully rescued alive. The police also recovered the sum of ₦830,000, believed to be ransom collected from the victim’s family before the rescue operation.
The rescued victim has since been debriefed and reunited with safety, while receiving necessary support from security authorities.
DSP Chinaka further disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, adding that the suspect in custody is assisting investigators with useful information that may lead to the arrest of additional accomplices.
The Commissioner of Police in Abia State reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven policing and intensifying operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
