Police Kill Three Kidnappers Who Allegedly Abducted Ogun Polytechnic Students

The Nigeria Police Force has revealed that three suspected kidnappers were killed during a shootout with security operatives in Ogun State.

The suspects were allegedly involved in the abduction of students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.

Seven students of the institution were kidnapped in July. The victims were later rescued alive following a joint security operation.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said the rescue involved the police, military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters and other security agencies.

He said the state government launched a major security operation immediately after receiving information about the abduction.

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The operation was later strengthened with aerial surveillance after a request was made to the Inspector-General of Police.

In a statement on Sunday, the Force spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, said the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit and DSS operatives continued tracking the kidnappers after the students were rescued.

According to him, the security teams eventually located the kidnappers’ hideout and engaged them in a gunfight.

He said three suspects were killed during the encounter, while some of the other kidnappers escaped with gunshot injuries.

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“Six Gateway ICT Polytechnic students who were kidnapped at Ipara were released unhurt following intensive security pressure,” the statement reads.

“Anti-Kidnapping and DSS operatives subsequently stormed the kidnappers’ hideout and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel.

“Three kidnappers were neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.”

Iniedu added that security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, three mobile phones and N2.3 million from the suspects.

He noted that the State Criminal Investigation Department has also begun an investigation into the incident.

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