Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State have thwarted a kidnap attempt in Akure, rescuing a victim and arresting one suspect following a swift pursuit.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday on behalf of the command.
He said the operation was in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intensify efforts against violent crimes and strengthen internal security nationwide.
According to the statement, officers on routine patrol along the Oba-Ile axis of Akure received credible intelligence about a distress situation involving an occupant of a moving vehicle.
The police said the victim was heard shouting for help from inside a red Toyota Camry, prompting an immediate response from the patrol team.
During the chase, the suspects reportedly pushed the victim out of the moving vehicle in a bid to escape arrest.
The victim, identified as Kayode Alaba, was rescued alive, while one of the suspects, Adegbenro Adeola, was apprehended. Other members of the gang fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had earlier been abducted from his residence along Irese Road in Akure.
The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
