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By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a notorious kidnapper, identified as Chinaza Phillip.
A statement made available to newsmen by the Kaduna State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, said Phillip was arrested in Kaduna while on his way to Kano State alongside his accomplices and a kidnap victim, on Thursday.
According to Hassan, there was a heated gunfire exchange between Phillip’s men and the police, leading to the rescue of the victim, Segun Akinyemi, an Abuja resident, who was kidnapped just as he was driving out of his house, on Wednesday.
The kidnappers were taking Akinyemi from Abuja to Kano State when the police swooped on them.
Hassan said following a distress call, security operatives attached to Kawo Divisional Headquarters, Kaduna, launched a manhunt.
The FCT Police Command also confirmed the arrest of Phillip.
A statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the suspect was handed over to FCT Police Command on Friday, adding that he is currently in custody.
Adeh said more details would be communicated soon.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had earlier announced the arrest of some informants working with kidnappers, on Friday.
Wike disclosed this during a town hall meeting with various stakeholders, including residents, in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council of the territory.
He vowed to go after the kidnappers and their informants.
The minister, who spoke in pidgin, said: “The president has asked me to come here today. The other day I was in Bwari and next week I will go to Kwali.
“Security is one thing the president promised Nigerians because his job is to protect lives and property. If we can’t protect lives and property, then we have no reason being in government.
“The president has asked me to assure you that he will not abandon you. So, all these criminals, be ready. Your time is up. You know if I say I will do something, I will do it. And now that I am here today, if you know you are an informant or even one of the criminals, the end has come for you. I and security agencies will follow you to the point that you won’t enter Gwagwalada again.”