Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised while two kidnapped victims were rescued during a gun duel between security operatives and kidnappers in a forest in Imo State.

PUNCH Metro learnt in a statement by the Nigerian Police Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, that the operation followed an intelligence report.

He noted that the report prompted police operatives and local vigilantes to mobilise to the forest where the victims were being held.

According to him, the security team came under attack from the kidnappers, leading to a gun battle.

He added that two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised during the encounter, while others escaped with gunshot injuries.

“The hoodlums engaged the operatives in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of two kidnappers while others escaped with gunshot injuries,” he said.

The statement also revealed that two kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed.

“The two kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unharmed,” he added.

However, a vigilante member who participated in the operation sustained a gunshot injury and was later confirmed dead at a hospital.

“Regrettably, one vigilante sustained a fatal gunshot injury and was confirmed dead at the hospital,” he stated.

He concluded that the matter is being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department, Owerri.