Police arrest dismissed recruit, four others for kidnapping ASP
- Five people have been arrested for kidnapping officer in Abia state
- One of the suspected kidnappers is a recruit who had earlier been dismissed from office
- The suspects allegedly collected an undisclosed ransom, before the police officer was freed
The police have arrested a former recruit and four others for allegedly kidnapping ASP Solomon Aniefiok, the Unit Commander of Mopol 55, based in Aba, Abia state.
The kidnapping gang also collected an undisclosed ransom, before the police officer was freed.
A reliable source close to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, on Friday.
The source said the suspects were arrested on Friday, stressing that they kidnapped the officer on Jan. 14, while conducting a check on his men on duty.
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The suspects suddenly blocked and kidnapped the officer using AK-47 rifles.
“He was eventually released three days later after ransom was paid,’’ the source said.
Irked by the development, IGP Ibrahim Idris was said to have deployed the Intelligence Response Team in Abia state.
“Based on the IGP’s directive, one of the best IRT teams was deployed and after six days of unrelenting follow up, five of the kidnappers were arrested alive and one died during a gun battle with IRT operatives.
“Exhibits recovered are: one AK-47 Rifle with S/No. 56-2550382 with two Magazines and 60 live ammunition, one Barretta Service Pistol of the Mopol Unit Commander.
“Other items include one locally made pistol and two cartridges, one police bullet proof jacket, one police vest, two head warmers, one Mopol jungle cap among others,” the source said.
One of the suspects and ring leader of the kidnapping gang was a recruit dismissed in 2006.
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Legit.ng previously reported that the Kaduna state police command said it has arrested 38 suspects involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and street gangs from October 20, to January 25.
The state commissioner of police Austin Iwar made the disclosure while briefing newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday.
He said the 38 suspects, 21 were arrested in connection with kidnapping and armed robbery, while 17 were nabbed in connection to street gangs.
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Source: Legit.ng
