The police command in Lagos says it has rescued two persons kidnapped on Thursday at Ijede creekside in Ikorodu.

The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said this in a statement on Monday.

Mr Hundeyin stated, “A distress report was received at Ijede Division indicating gunshots in the vicinity of Ijede Creekside settlement.

“Acting swiftly, combined teams of more than 15 police tactical squads, detectives, conventional policemen, local vigilantes, hunters and the locals were immediately mobilised to the scene.

“On getting there, it was confirmed that two persons whose houses are inside the creek had been attacked and abducted by unidentified hoodlums who fled via the creek and adjoining forest.

Mr Hundeyin said, according to the directive of the police commissioner, Olohundare Jimoh, a rescue operation was launched.

“The 15 policemen, local vigilantes, hunters and the locals were strategically deployed in different directions to block all entry and exit points to the surrounding creek and forest.

“This coordinated rescue operation led to the successful release of the victims unhurt at 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. The released victims have been reunited with their families,” the statement added.

According to him, the police, in collaboration with the vigilantes, hunters and locals, are currently still combing the creek and the adjoining forest to apprehend the kidnappers to prevent further attacks from them as well as bring them to justice.

The statement commended the bravery of the officers and cooperation of the local vigilantes, hunters, and community members, whose swift response was instrumental to the operations’ success despite the difficulties encountered in accessing the area.

The spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and security conscious, especially residents living in the Ijede creek and other difficult terrains in the forest.

He also advised residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency lines: 08063299264 or 08065154338. 

(NAN)