By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna police command successfully rescued a victim who was kidnapped in Abuja and recovered the victim’s vehicle. The alleged kidnapper, identified as Chinaza Philip, was apprehended along with his operational firearms during an operation en route to Kano. The incident took place on January 18, 2024, as disclosed in a statement by the command’s police spokesman, Asp Mansur Hassan.
The statement highlighted that the Commissioner of Police, A.D. Ali, had issued strict orders to police operatives to actively counter criminal elements as part of efforts to enhance the safety of lives and properties in Kaduna state.
According to the release, “In adherence to the CP’s directive, personnel of the Command successfully rescued a victim abducted from Abuja, apprehended one of the kidnappers identified as Chinaza Philip, and recovered both the victim’s vehicle and the kidnappers’ operational firearms.”
On January 18, 2024, operatives from the Kawo Divisional Headquarters in Kaduna responded to a distress call regarding a kidnapping incident originating from Abuja. The operatives intercepted a grey Toyota Hilux van with the registration number Abuja RBC 90 DC, suspected to be carrying the kidnappers and their victim. The kidnapper, Chinaza Philip, opened fire at the police in an attempt to escape, leading to a confrontation.
In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, the victim, identified as Segun Akinyemi, was successfully rescued. Chinaza Philip, a 28-year-old resident of Life Camp Abuja, was arrested, while three other accomplices managed to escape but are currently being pursued by law enforcement.
The police recovered the victim’s vehicle along with two Retay G17 model pistols, one Beretta pistol, ten 9mm P.A.K ammunitions, and five 9mm special ammunitions from the arrested kidnapper.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was abducted on January 17, 2024, at approximately 1700 hours as he was leaving his residence in Garki Abuja. The three escapees were identified as Chidibere Nwodibo of Life Camp Abuja, one Auwal (surname unknown), and an unidentified gang leader. The kidnappers were reportedly en route to Kano when intercepted by the police.
Commending the operatives for their bravery, Commissioner of Police A.D. Ali urged them to continue their efforts in combating criminal elements in the state. Additionally, he called on the public to use security agencies’ hotlines for prompt reporting of any distress situations.
