Three suspected kidnappers were on Wednesday killed during a gun battle with police operatives and local hunters in Ikare Akoko, in Akoko North-east Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The gun battle followed the abduction of one Tijani Aremu, 60, in the area and ransom in millions of naira demanded by his abductors.
It was gathered that the kidnappers had planned to collect the money in an agreed location.
Police operatives and local hunters then laid ambush at the said location, but the kidnappers would not easily surrender, leading to a gun battle that resulted in the death of the suspects.
“When the suspected kidnappers arrived to collect the proceeds of their crime, they were engaged in a fierce gun duel with the operatives. In the process, one of the kidnappers was neutralised and a single-barrel rifle recovered, while several others escaped with bullet injuries,” Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said while confirming the incident on Wednesday.
“The combined team immediately intensified a combing operation in the adjoining forests, which led to the recovery of two additional lifeless bodies of suspected kidnappers, bringing the total number neutralised to three.
“Furthermore, two suspects, namely Yahaya Isa ‘m’ (20 years) and Ismail Ismail ‘m’, were arrested in connection with the kidnapping. Sustained pressure during the operation eventually culminated in the safe rescue of the victim, Tijani Aremu, who was found unharmed.
“He was promptly taken to Hospital, for medical examination and is set to be reunited with his family.”
Mr Ayanlade noted the people-centered style of policing of the force, which emphasises community engagement, inter-agency cooperation, and partnership with non-state actors. He added that these provided the strategic direction that made the operation possible.
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He further commended the forest hunters for their courage, vigilance, and selfless collaboration, which greatly complemented the effort of the police and contributed to the eventual rescue of the victim.
“This operation is a clear testament to what can be achieved when security agencies and community stakeholders work hand in hand,” he said.
The command has in the recent past apprehended some criminals in the state, especially kidnappers following the upsurge of kidnapping cases.
Some persons were arrested for abducting a lecturer with the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.
Residents are however concerned about ensuring the prosecution of the suspects to forestall the return of the criminals to their trade and putting the society at further risk.