The Anti-crime Patrol Team of the Kogi State Police Command has eliminated two members of a suspected five-man kidnapping gang in a shootout on the Ajaokuta highway.
Onogwu Muhammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Muhammed said the Police repelled what would have been another circle of kidnapping attack by the gang members who were in military uniform.
He said the team of policemen also recovered arms, money, phones, Bank ATM cards and other valuables from the criminals.
He said: “The alleged criminals numbering five had blocked the road stopping vehicles until the men of the Anti-Crime Patrol team swooped on them and engaged them in fierce gun battle.
“Two of the criminals were killed as three others escaped into the bush with gunshot injuries.
“The police teams are on the trail of the fleeing suspected kidnappers, combing bush areas around the location of incidence.
“The Police have in their possession items recovered from the criminals which include two wooden AK47, 25 assorted GSM handsets, one First Bank ATM card bearing Mohammed Jamiu and undisclosed sum of money.”
The CPS said Bello praised the gallantry and swift response of the security team which engaged the suspected kidnappers.
Muhammed said Bello also urged the residents to go about their normal businesses as the state was committed to ensuring the security of lives and property of residents in the state.
Muhammed quoted Bello as saying: “Kogi state has no abode for criminal elements, the state exists only for law abiding persons.
“Whoever thinks he can engage in crime will be decisively dealt with. Our gallant security forces are on ground to ensure lives and property are secured.
“And the state will continue to provide the needed leadership.”
