Following investigations and manhunt for the criminal elements involved in the abduction of staff of the University of Abuja at, Giri, Gwagwalada outskirts of FCT, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Military, the DSS and other security agencies have arrested eight suspects allegedly involved in the act.
In a joint operation, in the early hours of Friday, November, 2021, the joint operatives were also said to have identified the hideout of the criminals located at Shenegwu Forest in the Gwagwalada area of the FCT and rescued all abducted victims unhurt.
According to police spokesperson in Abuja, DSP Josephine Adeh, “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.
“The CP enjoined 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 gang members still at large. However, efforts are being intensified to arrest fleeing members of the gang.
“All the suspects will be charged to court on conclusion of the investigations. The CP assured that Investigation is being intensified and dragnet extended to arrest all the criminals. He further implores residents to report all suspicious movements, emergencies or distresses, through these numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883.”
When The Guardian visited the homes of the lecturers at the University Staff Quarters, Gwagwalada, it was a deserted street and relatives and neighbours of the victims were not so much in jubilant mood.
Two university lectures, a non-academic staff and members of their families were rescued from den of kidnappers by security operatives.
According to few neighbours who could be sighted when The Guardian visited the homes of victims, almost everybody was said to have gone to the Department of State Security, (DSS), hospital where the rescued abductees were allegedly taken for medical check up to ascertain their health status
The neighbours, Aminu and Mustapha, said that the victims who were released have not yet been brought home because they were said to have been in the care of the DSS and no one knows when they would be home.
When asked why everyone sighted appears to be in a sober mood, Aminu said people are still in shock and as neighbors; they were waiting for the arrival of the victims to know how they are doing so it is too early to celebrate.
A family member of one of the abductees, Felix Obansa who arrived home later to meet newsmen waiting for the arrival of the families from the DSS custody, said the news of the rescue of his family and the others kidnapped is a huge relief.