Security agencies have arrested eight suspects in connection with the Tuesday abduction of two professors and other staff of the University of Abuja.
The suspected kidnappers were arrested at their hideout in Shenegwu Forest in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory,Abuja during a joint operation by the police, military, Department of State Services and other security agencies on Friday.
The security operatives were also said to have rescued the victims unhurt and have taken them to the hospital for medical check-up.
The FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the hoodlums exchanged fire with the operatives, but were subdued.
The statement titled, ‘Re: University of Abuja abduction: eight in custody, all victims rescued, criminal hideout uncovered,’ read, “Following investigations and manhunt for the criminal elements involved in the abduction of staff of the University of Abuja at the University Staff Quarters, Giri, on November 2, 2021, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Military, the DSS and other security agencies in a joint operation in the early hours of Friday, November 5 successfully identified the hideout of the criminals located at Shenegwu Forest in the Gwagwalada area of the FCT and rescued all abducted victims unhurt.
“The criminal elements on sighting the security team engaged them in a fierce gun duel. However, the superior firepower of the security operatives led to the arrest of eight members of the notorious gang while some other members of the gang fled into the forest and nearby communities.”
It quoted the FCT Commissioner of Police, Babaji Sunday, as saying that efforts is being intensified to apprehend the fleeing hoodlums.
The Commissioner of Police advised residents, particularly those around the Gwagwalada area of the FCT, to be vigilant and provide the police with useful information that can assist in apprehending the fleeing members of the gang still at large.
