Air Force officer foils robbery, kidnap attempt in Abuja
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officer, Air Commodore John Ijudigal, heroically thwarted a 'one-chance' robbery and kidnapping attempt in Wuse, Abuja.
According to a statement by NAF spokesman AVM Edward Gabkwet on Saturday in Abuja, the incident unfolded on February 14 along Accra Road, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, around 7:28 p.m.
While commuting home in his staff car after work, Air Commodore Ijudigal encountered a distressing scene. He spotted an Abuja-painted taxi, a Mazda 323 with registration BWR 232 XB, reversing at high speed, with terrified passengers inside screaming for help. Pursuing the taxi was a black Toyota Land Cruiser.
Reacting instinctively, Air Commodore Ijudigal joined the pursuit, using his official vehicle to block the escape route of the criminals. The driver of the 'one-chance' vehicle, in a panic, collided with Air Commodore Ijudigal’s official vehicle, causing significant damage to both cars and forcing the 'one-chance' vehicle to skid into a nearby garden.
Following the collision, Air Commodore Ijudigal promptly exited his vehicle and chased after one of the occupants of the 'one-chance' taxi, who had fled into a nearby bush. With the help of onlookers gathered at the accident scene, the driver of the 'one-chance' vehicle, along with two other suspects, a male and a female, were apprehended, and two female victims were rescued.
Air Commodore Ijudigal then contacted the police and personally ensured that the three criminals were handed over to the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, at his office.
The Commissioner of Police commended the officer for his bravery, acknowledging that his intervention not only foiled the robbery and kidnapping attempt but also led to the apprehension of the suspected criminals.
Similarly, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, praised Air Commodore Ijudigal for his courageous and selfless service.
Currently serving as the deputy director of logistics at the Defence Headquarters, Air Commodore Ijudigal's quick and decisive actions averted a potentially dangerous situation, showcasing his dedication to public safety and security.
Comments