Two Kidnappers Neutralized, Vigilante Killed During Rescue Operation in Imo

Two suspected kidnappers were neutralized and two abductees rescued unharmed during a joint security operation in an Imo State forest.

Following an intelligence report regarding the hidden location of the hostages, a team of police operatives and local vigilantes mobilized to the hideout. Upon arrival, security forces were ambushed by the gang, triggering a firefight.

During the exchange, security personnel killed two suspects, while several other members of the syndicate fled into the surrounding bush with gunshot wounds. Operatives successfully secured the uninjured release of both kidnapping victims.

However, a local vigilante member involved in the joint raid sustained a critical gunshot wound during the shootout and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri has launched a formal investigation into the incident and initiated a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.