By Jimmy Fatunbi
Two suspected kidnappers were killed and two kidnapped victims rescued during a gun battle between security operatives and suspected kidnappers in a forest in Imo State.
The operation followed an intelligence report, according to a statement by the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu.
Iniedu said police operatives, alongside local vigilantes, mobilised to the forest where the victims were reportedly being held.
He explained that the security team came under attack upon reaching the location, resulting in a gun duel with the kidnappers.
“The hoodlums engaged the operatives in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of two kidnappers while others escaped with gunshot injuries,” he said.
The police spokesperson added that the two kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed during the operation.
“The two kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unharmed,” he added.
However, a vigilante member who participated in the operation sustained a gunshot injury and was later confirmed dead at a hospital.
“Regrettably, one vigilante sustained a fatal gunshot injury and was confirmed dead at the hospital,” Iniedu stated.
He said the case had been taken over by the State Criminal Investigation Department, Owerri, for further investigation.
