Confusion over rescue of 20 kidnapped victims in forest raid

· Ex-military officer’s family disagree

Indications emerged on Sunday that the rescue of 20 kidnapped victims during a joint security operation involving troops of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, operatives of the FCT Police Command, the Department of State Services and local vigilantes on the rescue 20 kidnapped victims during a coordinated forest operation spanning Niger and Kaduna states in steeped in confusion.

While the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Guards Brigade, Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, said troops of the 7 Guards Battalion of the Guards Brigade were deployed alongside operatives of the FCT Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, personnel of the DSS and local vigilantes to track the suspects and free the victims, the family of a retired military officer, Bankole Ganiyu, who was seized with three of his children were yet to be rescued.

The victims, taken from Byazhin District in Kubwa, Abuja, and from Gauraka and Tafa areas of Niger State, had been moved into forest hideouts around Gidan Dogo and Kweri in Kaduna State.

The distraught family as at Sunday afternoon, said there has been no word from the captors, leaving the family in agonizing suspense.

Security operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle, overpowering them and securing the release of all 20 captives during coordinated operations between March 6 and 7.

Officials say the operation followed credible intelligence that the kidnappers, fleeing ongoing security pressure in Gauraka Forest in Niger State, had moved with their captives across state borders.

Itunuoluwa in a statement issued over the weekend said the troops acted on credible intelligence, led them to the kidnappers’ hideout in the forest.

The combined security team reportedly engaged the criminals in a gun battle before overpowering them and securing the release of the victims.

Similarly, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, in a separate statement released on Saturday, explained that the joint tactical team launched the rescue mission after intelligence indicated that the kidnappers had crossed into the Kaduna forests with their captives.

According to her, the officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led the operatives into the forest in pursuit of the suspects.

“Upon approaching their hideout, the suspects opened fire on the operatives, resulting in an intense gun duel that lasted over one hour and thirty minutes.

“Through superior tactics and firepower, the operatives successfully subdued the kidnappers. Suspects were neutralized during the exchange, while two others identified as Nura Sani and Abdul Bello were arrested. Other members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds into the surrounding forest and hills,” the statement said.

The rescued victims identified by the Command include Olowa Tosin, Blessing Titi, Success Anthony, Victor Anthony, Angel Anthony, Flourish Anthony, Oniwola Ganiyu, Mercy Jafia, Bashir Umar (35 years), Hannatu Yohanna, James Raphael, Danjuma Joy, Pastor Bulus Ganiyu, Abdulmumini Adamu, Abubakar Garba, Ruth Precious, Idris Ayuba, Damina Precious, Tanko Jeji and Isah Bello.

Adeh said victims were immediately taken to hospital for medical attention.

Items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle with breech number 90-17147, one magazine loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and a locally made firearm.

The FCT Police Command also cautioned the media and social media users against premature reporting of sensitive security operations.

“The Command also appeals to members of the press and other social media users to exercise patience when reporting sensitive security incidents such as kidnappings or ongoing rescue operations. Premature or unverified dissemination of such information can endanger the lives of victims and compromise the safety of officers actively involved in rescue missions,” the statement added.

While commending the operatives involved in the mission, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and security conscious.

“While commending the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the operatives involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged residents of the FCT to remain calm, vigilant, and security conscious.

“He also urged them to promptly report suspicious persons or movements to the Command through the following emergency numbers 08032003913, 08061581938.”