The Adamawa State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim unhurt and recovered two AK-47 rifles with live ammunition during a coordinated operation in Song Local Government Area of the state.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said in a statement on Thursday that the operation was carried out after intelligence indicated that the abductors of Alhaji Sidiki Isah, a 54-year-old resident of Tambo Village in Girei Local Government Area, were holding him captive at Luro Mountain.
Nguroje said the kidnappers had earlier demanded a ransom of N90 million from the victim’s family.
He explained that the operation was carried out on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Hassan, who ordered the deployment of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Umar Hassan, swiftly deployed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit using geospatial intelligence linked to the kidnappers,” the statement said.
According to the Command, the tactical team moved in on the suspected hideout and cordoned off the mountainous area before coming under attack.
“The mountain was strategically cordoned off, and upon sighting the combined security team, the kidnappers opened fire on the operatives,” Nguroje said.
He added that the operatives responded immediately, insisting that the encounter was handled professionally.
“The security team responded professionally and successfully repelled the attackers,” the police spokesperson stated.
Nguroje confirmed that two suspected kidnappers were neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while others fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
“The kidnapped victim was rescued safely without injury and has since been reunited with his family,” he added.
Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, 17 rounds of live ammunition, a handset and charms.
“The items recovered include two AK-47 rifles, seventeen rounds of live ammunition, a handset, charms and others,” the statement said.
The Command also disclosed that the area was still being combed to track fleeing suspects and recover additional weapons.
“The area is currently being combed by Command operatives with a view to apprehending the fleeing suspects,” Nguroje said.
Commending the officers, the Commissioner of Police described their conduct as exemplary.
“The Commissioner of Police commended the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the operatives and collaborating security stakeholders during the operation,” the statement added.
He further assured residents of sustained efforts to combat violent crimes across the state.
“We are committed to combating kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state,” he said, while urging residents to provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.
