Luck runs out on 3 suspected kidnappers in Kogi as Nigerian army confirms their death, 1 soldier dies

macfranc007 February 28, 2018 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Nigerian newspapers 24/7 Eromosele Ebhomele

- The spokesperson of the command army records, Lokoja, Capt Weri Finikumor, confirms that soldiers killed three suspected kidnappers in Kogi state

- Finikumor also reveals that one soldier died in the operation against the suspected kidnappers

- The soldiers were trying to rescue Alhaji Momoh Otinau, an oil magnate kidnapped on February 17, in front of a mosque in Okene while relaxing with friends

The Nigerian army, through the spokesperson of the command army records, Lokoja, Capt Weri Finikumor, has confirmed the killing of three suspected kidnappers and one soldier in Kogi state during a rescue operation on Tuesday, February 28.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Finikumor, spoke on phone in Lokoja revealing that some of the suspected kidnappers have been arrested and helping the military in its investigations.

The army officer assured residents that operation ‘exercise cat race’ was ongoing to curtail criminality and boost security in the state adding that the army would make details of the exercise public as soon as it was concluded.

NAN reports further that the deaths occurred on February 26, during a gun duel between some soldiers and a gang of kidnappers, which ensued when the soldiers were attempting to rescue an oil magnate, Alhaji Momoh Otinau, from the suspects that abducted him on February 17, in front of a mosque in Okene while relaxing with friends.

It was learnt that a relation of the kidnapped victim who has been negotiating with the kidnappers was said to have informed soldiers believed to be part of those prosecuting ‘exercise cat race’ of his intention to go and drop a ransom for the kidnappers.

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The soldiers then decided to follow him with the intention to rescue the victim and arrest the suspects.

This, however, proved fatal as the kidnappers on sighting the relation approaching the designated point with the armed soldiers immediately opened fire on them.

NAIJ.com earlier reported that the Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of Barnabas Torva Amadu, who is believed to be a member of a gang that kidnapped and killed Hosea Ibi, a lawmaker at the Taraba state House of Assembly recently.

The report stated that the DSS said Amadu was arrested on February 25, at Takum in Taraba state, after a joint team of service operatives and the military arrested a 23-year-old Isaiah Suwe.

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