The Imo State Police Command has said it rescued three persons kidnapped by a kidnap gang and held hostage at a hide out in Avu Forest in Owerri West Local Government of Imo State.
A statement released by the Command said “In the early hours of 09/05/2017 between 02 00hrs and 02 30hrs, operatives of the Imo State Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed a kidnappers hideout in Avu forest in Owerri West L.G.A. of Imo State in an effort to rescue three (3) victims who were kidnapped on Saturday 06/05/2017”
The statement continued “During the bush combing operation, the operatives were confronted by a gang of kidnap suspects who were holding the three (3) victims on ransom. In the heated operation, seven (7) kidnap suspects were overpowered and arrested. Three (3) kidnap victims who were tied and blind folded were rescued in the forest unhurt and the above listed exhibits recovered.
“The Commissioner of Police Imo State CP Chris Ezike who tactically co-ordinated the operation has directed mop up operations in all areas suspected to be haven for criminals, while assuring all residents of Imo State of Police commitment and determination to ensure their safety and security.
According to the release, some of the items recovered include:
(I) ONE (1) ASH COLOUR TOYOTA HIGHLANDER JEEP BELONGING TO ONE OF THE VICTIMS AND USED IN KIDNAPPING THE VICTIMS
(II) TWO (2) WRAPS OF WEED SUSPECTED TO BE INDIAN HEMP
(III) TWO (2) MATCHETS
(IV) PIECES OF CLOTH USED IN BLINDFOLDING THE VICTIMS
(V) FOUR (4) GSM HANDSETS BELONGING TO THE SUSPECTS
(VI) ONE (1) BLUE PAIR OF JEANS BELONGING ONE OF THE VICTIMS
(VII) ONE (1) EMPTY BOTTLE OF SEEGRAMS HOT DRINK
(VIII) TWO (2) EMPTY BOTTLES OF ONE MAN HOT DRINK