The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Sunday Babaji says the Federal Government didn’t pay any ransom to secure the release of the kidnapped six people including two professors of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA).
Speaking with Radio Nigeria in Abuja, the Commissioner said though a huge amount of money was requested by the kidnappers, but the release was a result of the effort of the joint security agencies that swung into action immediately after the incident happened on Tuesday.
The FCT police boss also in a statement made available to pressmen via DSP Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Police Command, explained how the suspected kidnappers were arrested.
“Following investigations and manhunt for the criminal elements involved in the abduction of staff of the University of Abuja at the University Staff Quarters, Giri, on 2nd November, 2021, Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Military, the DSS, and other security agencies in a joint operation, the early hours of Friday 5th November, 2021, successfully identified the hideout of the criminals located at Shenegwu Forest in the Gwagwalada area of the FCT and rescued all abducted victims unhurt.
“The criminal elements on sighting the security team engaged them in a fierce gun duel. However, the superior firepower of the security operatives led to the arrest of eight members of the notorious gang while some other members of the gang fled into the forest and nearby communities,” Babaji stated.
The Commissioner enjoined residents particularly those around the Gwagwalada area of the FCT, to be vigilant and provide the Police with useful information that can assist in apprehending the gang members still at large. Noting that, efforts are being intensified to arrest fleeing members of the gang.
He assured that all the suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigations, promising that investigation is being intensified and the dragnet extended to arrest all the criminals.
