The Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has revealed how its operatives in Anambra State Command successfully rescued two siblings kidnapped by gunmen in the State.
This was disclosed by the Deputy Commander-General (Technical Operations) of the NHFSS, John Metchie, on Sunday in Abuja.
Addressing newsmen, Metchie said the two siblings, Chijioke Igwe and Uchenna Igwe, were returning from a wedding ceremony on 16 August. They were, however, kidnapped by gunmen at Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of the State.
Metchie stated that the victims said they were double-crossed by some armed men who opened fire, shooting sporadically into the air. And then bundled them out of their car and whisked them into the forest.
He, however, said the rapid response of operatives of the NHFSS from Umueri in the Anambra-East Council Area saved their lives. This was after a distress call from a concerned citizen was put across to the hunters.
Metchie said the hunters have been working with the Nigerian army, the police and the State Security Service (SSS) to tackle the menace of kidnapping in the forests across the country.
Narrating the rescue operation, the Chief Security Officer of the Umueri Community and a member of the NHFSS, Joseph Obaelue, said they received a distress call about 9 p.m. on 16 August and immediately swooped into the forest to rescue the victims.
Obaelue said the victims were abducted at Nkwelle-Ezunaka but were rescued at Umueri along the Onitsha-Adani forest.
According to him, they were going to hand over two other suspects to the police when they suddenly saw a vehicle moving in the bush.
Obaelue said the suspects immediately opened fire on them, indicating that they were in a shootout with kidnappers.
He, however, stated that the abductors absconded into the thick forest. Leaving the victims behind and having compelled one of them to transfer the sum of N1.3 million into their account prior to their arrival at the scene.
“The two brothers were rescued alongside a Lexus Jeep 330 and a Toyota Highlander SUV that were recovered too.
“Earlier the same day, we trailed and tracked down two criminal syndicates who specialize in calling people with strange numbers. And threatening them to part with a certain amount of money if they still want to stay alive.
“The two suspects who operates with different SIM cards, threaten people that they were contracted to kill them. But if they cooperate by paying the money they requested for, they won’t kill them,” he said.
For the accomplishment, Obaelue congratulated his men for their gallantry in the rescue operation.
He also acknowledged the collaboration of the other security operatives in the State. The Military, Police, Civil Defence, SSS, Vigilante service and others. He praised them in the fight against kidnapping, banditry, armed herders and other criminals in the forest.
Obaelue also thanked the Deputy Commander-General of NHFSS, Metchie, for the technical and logistical assistance to the Command in their operations.
He also extended his appreciation to the Commander-General of NHFSS, Joshua Osatimehin. He thanked him for ensuring discipline, cohesion and unity of purpose in the service.
source: NAN
Follow us for more news on our WhatsApp News Channels @
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaC505jB4hdZ5Yx9g82U
