Two abducted NDDC workers rescued in Bayelsa
The Bayelsa State Police Command has rescued two workers of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr Akari Loveday, Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to the NDDC Managing Director and his brother, Emmanuel Nathan Ogbuku, who were kidnapped last Friday on the river near Ayakoro community in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, said the police employed community-led intelligence and drone technology in the rescue operation.
PUNCH Metro gathered that operatives of the Operation Puff Adder led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo recovered the speedboats used by the kidnappers.
The men spent three days in the forest of the local government area in search of Loveday and Nathan Ogbuku.
Senior police sources disclosed in Yenagoa on Monday that pressure was mounted by the tactical team of the Operation Puff Adder, the drone team, a private drone company, the Ability Security Services and the men of the Nigerian Navy-NNS Soroh with the coverage of the river with gunboats.
A source close to the police rescue team who pleaded anonymity revealed that the police team and the kidnappers were chasing one another along the creeks and rivers around the Ayakoro community where the abduction took place and through the Onuebum-Eboi and Otuogidi forests.
“On Saturday, the youths and vigilante groups from Ewoi, Otuogidi assisted with local intelligence. The paramount ruler of the Ewoi community prevailed on the youths and vigilantes to help the security team to rescue the NDDC staff members.”
It was gathered that after the exchange of gunfire between the police rescue team and the kidnappers, the duo were abandoned at the Ayama burial ground.
Commenting on the success recorded by the operatives, the state Commissioner of Police, Alonyenu Francis Idu, attributed the success to community intelligence and the deployment of security drone technology which aided the police in the rescue operation.
Idu, who was speaking during the ‘Thank You’ call visit on him by Rex-Ogbuku Jude, a brother to the Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, said, “The intelligence gathering and drone technology deployed assisted in the rescue operation.
“I assure you that the police command is ready to tackle crime and criminality in the state.”
Idu also commended his officer, CSP Chris Nwaogbo, and his men for their gallantry.
Earlier in his speech, Barr. Rex-Ogbuku Jude commended the Commissioner and men of the Bayelsa State Police Command “for the quick response and rescue of their kinsmen.”
According to him, “When the victims were rescued, the entire community was thrown into jubilation and your policemen led by Chris Nwaogbo were prayed for by the elders and youths.”
