In a dramatic and coordinated rescue operation, the Lagos State Police Command has successfully rescued two individuals who were abducted by suspected criminals at the Ijede Creek side in the Ikorodu area of the state.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped around 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.
Their release was secured late Sunday night following a high-risk operation involving more than 15 tactical police operatives, detectives, local vigilantes, and community hunters.
The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed the development in a statement released on Monday. He explained that the police responded swiftly after receiving a distress call reporting gunshots at the Ijede creek settlement.
“A distress report was received at Ijede Division indicating gunshots in the vicinity of Ijede Creek side settlement,” Hundeyin stated.
“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.”
Upon arrival, it was confirmed that two residents living within the creek had been attacked and forcibly taken away by yet-to-be-identified armed men who escaped via the waterway and into surrounding forests.
Following the directive of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Owohunwa Adegoke, a full-scale search and rescue mission was launched.
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According to Hundeyin, tactical teams were strategically positioned across critical points, including all known exits in the forest and creek terrain, to ensure the kidnappers had no escape route.
“On the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, a robust and elaborate rescue operation was launched,” Hundeyin said.
“The 15 policemen, local vigilantes, hunters, and locals were strategically deployed in different directions to block all entry and exit points to the surrounding creek and forest.”
The intensive three-day operation culminated in the successful release of the kidnapped victims at exactly 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. Fortunately, both victims were found unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.
The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to continue to share timely information with law enforcement to enhance rapid response to crimes.
Investigations into the identities of the kidnappers and their possible network are currently ongoing, with authorities vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.