POLICE RESCUE ABDUCTED VICTIM, RETRIEVE STOLEN SUV IN AKWA IBOM

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Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered his stolen vehicle in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, revealed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Saturday.

According to her, the victim was abducted and taken to an undisclosed location along Okop Eto Road. Acting on intelligence, police operatives tracked the kidnappers and engaged them in a gunfight, successfully rescuing the victim.

The statement partly reads: “On February 13, 2025, a report was received that a man (name withheld) had been kidnapped along Okop Eto Road and taken to an unknown location.

“Operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence, immediately swung into action and engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel.

“The hoodlums, overwhelmed by superior firepower, fled with severe gunshot injuries, leaving the victim unharmed. The victim was rescued unhurt, his vehicle recovered, and he has since been reunited with his family.”

The Command’s spokesperson stated that an ash-colored Lexus RX 350 SUV was recovered. She further mentioned that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, retrieve the weapons used in the crime, and ensure the perpetrators face justice.

The statement also quoted the State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, who praised the officers for their bravery and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating crime in the state.

He encouraged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.