Three kidnappers nabbed as police rescue abducted former INEC staff in Calabar (video)

Operatives of the Cross River Police Command have rescued a former staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, who was abducted by kidnappers. 

Mrs. Caroline Bassey was rescued shortly after her abduction from her residence at Peter Ojie street, Off Winners Way, Calabar at 11:30am on Saturday, November 4, 2023. 

It was gathered that the gunmen, who posed as customers seeking to rent chairs from Mrs. Bassey, tied up her security man and put him inside a refrigerator before one of the abductors drove out of the premises with the victim in her personal car. 

However, luck ran out of the kidnappers as an alarm for help was raised. 

As the kidnappers were driving out of her premises, a brave Good Samaritan blocked them. 

In a bid to abandon their Camry vehicle, two of them jumped out of the vehicle to join their colleagues in the victim’s car as they were trying to reverse having noticed the blockage.

One of them wasn’t successful as the daring Good Samaritan knocked him down with his Toyota Hilux vehicle, allowing neighbours and some youths to apprehend one of the kidnappers.

Police operatives intercepted the other two kidnappers along Akamkpa axis and rescued the victim.   

Spokesperson of the command, Irene Ugbo who confirmed the rescue stated that three suspects were arrested during the operation while two vehicles were recovered in the process.

The PPRO said that the command’s Anti-Cultism and Kidnapping Squad led by SP Chukwuma Ogini, had swung into action following a distress call on her abduction at Mathias Oje Avenue in Calabar Municipality.

Ugbo commended the bravery of Njangachang youths in the locality, who assisted in the apprehension of the suspects.

The suspects had arms, ammunition, and charms during the operation.

She reiterated Commissioner, Gyogon Grimah’s resolve to rid the state of crimes and criminalities again. This is the resolve of the commissioner as directed by the Inspector General of Police,” she stated.