the Kaduna State Police Command has successfully apprehended a notorious Abuja kidnapper, Phillip Chinaza, and handed him over to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command. The arrest took place on Thursday, January 17, 2024, when the police swooped in on Chinaza and his gang members while they were transporting a victim, Segun Akinyemi, from Abuja to Kano.

According to the Kaduna Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, the operation involved an exchange of gunfire as the police rescued Akinyemi, who had been kidnapped while driving out of his home in Abuja.

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Confirming the arrest and the subsequent handover, the FCT Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, stated, “The suspect has been handed over to the FCT Police Command today Friday, January 19, 2024, and he’s currently in police custody. More details will be communicated soon.”

The dramatic rescue unfolded after the Kaduna police received a distress call on January 18, 2024, reporting a kidnapping incident originating from Abuja. The culprits, along with their victims, were believed to be passing through Kaduna.

Operatives from the Kawo Divisional Headquarters in Kaduna swiftly responded to the call, blocking the grey Toyota Hilux van carrying the kidnappers and their victims. In an attempt to evade capture, one of the kidnappers fired at the police, triggering a response. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, the victim, Segun Akinyemi, was successfully rescued, and one of the kidnappers, identified as 28-year-old Chinaza Philip from Life Camp, Abuja, was arrested.

While three other suspects managed to escape, the police are actively pursuing them. The recovered items 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 ammunition.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Akinyemi was abducted on January 17, 2024, as he left his residence in Garki, Abuja. The kidnappers were en route to Kano when intercepted by the police.

The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Police Command, A D Ali, commended the operatives for their bravery and urged them to continue their efforts in combating criminal elements in the state. He also encouraged the public to utilize security agencies’ hotlines for prompt responses to distress calls.