Police in Kwara State have successfully eliminated three suspected kidnappers and injured two others during a gun battle on Monday.
The confrontation occurred during an operation to rescue Sule Saidu, who was kidnapped over the weekend.
The police recovered an AK-47 rifle and charms from the suspects after overpowering them.
While confirming the incident, a police spokesperson in the state, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, said five armed men kidnapped the victim.
She said following the report of the incident, a joint security team, including police detectives, hunters and vigilantes, launched a rescue operation.
“The gang was intercepted along the Babanla/Oreke axis, where they engaged operatives in a shootout.
“One abductor was neutralised, two were arrested – Ibrahim Shehu, 40, and Mohammad Lawal, 25 – while the remaining two escaped with gunshot wounds.
“One AK-47 rifle and charms were recovered. The injured suspects who were later apprehended succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital,” she added.
She said the command hailed the bravery and swift response of its officers and dedication of local hunters and vigilante groups “who played a crucial role in the operation”.