The Lagos State Police Command has successfully rescued two persons abducted by gunmen at Ijede creekside in Ikorodu on Thursday.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development in a Monday statement.
Hundeyin explained that police responded swiftly after receiving a distress call about gunshots in the area at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday.
“A distress report was received at Ijede Division indicating gunshots in the vicinity of Ijede Creekside settlement. Acting swiftly, combined teams of more than 15 police tactical squads, detectives, conventional policemen, local vigilantes, hunters and the locals were immediately mobilised to the scene,” Hundeyin stated.
“On getting there, it was confirmed that two persons whose houses are inside the creek had been attacked and abducted by unidentified hoodlums who fled via the creek and adjoining forest,” he added.
Following directives from Lagos Commissioner of Police Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, security forces launched an extensive rescue operation. Hundeyin detailed the strategy: “The 15 policemen, local vigilantes, hunters and the locals were strategically deployed in different directions to block all entry and exit points to the surrounding creek and forest.”
The operation proved successful as the victims were released unharmed by 10:00 p.m. on Sunday and have since been reunited with their families.
Security forces continue combing the area to apprehend the kidnappers. “The police, in collaboration with the vigilantes, hunters and locals, are currently still combing the creek and the adjoining forest to apprehend the kidnappers to prevent further attacks from them as well as bring them to justice,” Hundeyin confirmed.
The police spokesperson praised the collaborative effort: “The Lagos Police image maker commended the bravery of the officers and cooperation of the local vigilantes, hunters, and community members, whose swift response was instrumental to the success of the operations in spite of the difficulties encountered in accessing the area.”
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to public safety, Hundeyin urged vigilance among creek residents and advised reporting suspicious activities through police emergency lines: 08063299264 or 08065154338.
