In a significant breakthrough, the Kaduna State Police Command apprehended a notorious Abuja kidnapper, Phillip Chinaza, on Thursday. Chinaza, along with his gang members (currently at large), was intercepted by the police while transporting a victim, Segun Akinyemi, from Abuja to Kano State. The incident occurred in Kaduna, and the police swooped in to rescue the victim.
Confirming the arrest, the Kaduna Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, stated that the operation unfolded when operatives received a distress call about a kidnapping incident originating from Abuja. The kidnappers, along with their captive, were reported to be passing through Kaduna.
In the ensuing operation, the police blocked a grey Toyota Hilux van, suspected to be conveying the kidnappers and the victim. A confrontation ensued, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the kidnappers and the police. Segun Akinyemi, the abducted individual, was successfully rescued, and one of the kidnappers, identified as 28-year-old Chinaza Philip from Life Camp, Abuja, was arrested.
Three other suspects managed to escape, but the police are actively pursuing them. Items recovered from the kidnappers include the victim’s vehicle, two Retay G17 model pistols, one Beretta pistol, ten 9mm P.A.K ammunitions, and five 9mm special ammunitions.
Following the successful operation, the Kaduna State Police Command handed over the arrested suspect, Phillip Chinaza, to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command. The FCT Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the receipt of the suspect along with the seized arms and a mobile phone.
SP Adeh assured that more details about the arrest and the ongoing investigation would be communicated soon. The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Police Command, A.D. Ali, commended the operatives for their bravery and urged them to persist in their efforts to combat criminal elements in the state. He also encouraged the public to use security hotlines for prompt responses to distress calls.
The incident highlights the collaborative efforts of security agencies in curbing criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents in the region.