The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that three suspected kidnappers who allegedly abducted six students of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapaade, Ogun state were killed during a gun duel with security operatives.
In a statement on Sunday, Ani Iniedu, force spokesperson, said police anti-kidnapping unit and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) trailed the kidnappers to their hideout following the rescue of the victims.
Iniedu said three suspects were killed while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
“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.”
He said one AK-47 rifle, one empty magazine, three mobile phones, and N2.3 million were recovered during the operation.
He noted that the State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced an investigation into the incident.
In July, seven students of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic were abducted.
On Friday, Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, said the victims were rescued alive through a coordinated operation involving the police, the armed forces, DSS, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Amotekun Corps, vigilantes, local hunters and other security agencies.
Abiodun added that the state government immediately activated a comprehensive security response after the incident was reported, adding that the operation was reinforced with aerial surveillance following a request to the inspector-general of police.
