Three suspected kidnappers who allegedly abducted students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, have been killed in a gun battle with security operatives.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Nigeria Police Force said the suspects were killed after operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Department of State Services (DSS) traced them to their hideout following the rescue of the abducted students.
According to Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the security personnel stormed the kidnappers’ hideout and engaged them in a gun duel.
“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.”
The police said one AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, three mobile phones and N2.3 million were recovered from the hideout after the operation.
The rescued students were among those abducted in the area, with reports indicating that the kidnapping had triggered a coordinated security operation involving several agencies.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun had earlier said the students were rescued alive through a joint operation involving the police, armed forces, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes, local hunters and other security agencies.
The Governor also said aerial surveillance was deployed after the state government requested additional support from the Inspector-General of Police.
The State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced investigation into the incident, while security agencies are expected to intensify efforts to track down the suspected kidnappers who escaped with gunshot injuries.
