Police Nab Eight Suspects Over Uniabuja Staff Abduction, Uncover Shenegwu Forest Hideout

Following investigations and manhunt for the criminal elements involved in the abduction of staff of the University of Abuja at, Giri, Gwagwalada, in the outskirts of the FCT, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the military, the DSS and other security agencies have arrested eight suspects allegedly involved in the act.

In a joint operation, in the early hours of Friday, the operatives were also said to have identified the criminals’ hideout in Shenegwu Forest in the Gwagwalada area of the FCT and rescued all abducted victims unhurt.

The Police Spokesperson in Abuja, DSP Josephine Adeh, said: “The criminal elements, on sighting the security team, engaged them in a fierce gun duel.

However, the superior firepower of the security operatives led to the arrest of eight members of the notorious gang, while some other members of the gang fled into the forest and nearby communities.

“The CP enjoined residents, particularly those around the Gwagwalada area of the FCT, to be vigilant and provide the Police with useful information that can assist in apprehending the gang members still at large. However, efforts are being intensified to arrest fleeing members of the gang.

“All the suspects will be charged to court on conclusion of the investigations. The CP assured that Investigation is being intensified and dragnet extended to arrest all the criminals. He further implores residents to report all suspicious movements, emergencies or distresses, through these numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883.”

When The Guardian visited the lecturers’ homes at the University Staff Quarters, Gwagwalada, they were deserted. The victims’ relatives and neighbours were not really in a jubilant mood.

Two university lecturers, non-academic staff and family members were rescued from the den of kidnappers by security operatives.

Only a few neighbours could be sighted, as almost everybody was said to have gone to the Department of State Security (DSS) and the hospital, where the rescued abductees were allegedly taken for medical checkup to ascertain their health status.

Aminu and Mustapha, two of the neighbours, said the released victims had not been brought home, as they were said to be in the care of the DSS and no one knew when they would return home.

When asked why everyone looked sober, Aminu said people were still in shock and were waiting for the victims’ arrival to know how they are faring.

A family member of one of the abductees, Felix Obansa, who arrived later to meet waiting newsmen, said the news of rescue of his family and other victims is a huge relief.

Guardian