Two suspected kidnappers were killed while two abducted victims were rescued during a gun battle between security operatives and suspected kidnappers in a forest in Imo State.
The operation followed intelligence received by the police concerning the activities of the gang and the location where the victims were being held.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, police operatives, working with local vigilantes, mobilised to the forest after receiving the information.
Iniedu said the security team came under attack from the suspected kidnappers upon reaching the area, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
He said two members of the gang were killed during the confrontation, while other suspects escaped with gunshot wounds.
“The hoodlums engaged the operatives in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of two kidnappers while others escaped with gunshot injuries,” the statement read.
The police spokesperson added that the two kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation without injuries.
“The two kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unharmed,” he stated.
However, the operation came at a cost, as one member of the vigilante group involved in the raid sustained a gunshot injury.
The vigilante member was rushed to a hospital but was later pronounced dead.
“Regrettably, one vigilante sustained a fatal gunshot injury and was confirmed dead at the hospital,” Iniedu stated.
He said the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri had taken over the investigation as efforts continued to establish further details about the incident and apprehend the fleeing suspects.