Kidnapping for ransom is a prevalent crime in Nigeria, with the police often engaging in shootouts with kidnappers before successfully rescuing the victims.

Nigeria's police have announced the rescue of four kidnapped hostages after a gun battle with kidnappers in the southeastern Imo state. The police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, revealed on Sunday that two kidnappers were killed during the shootout in Umuokanne, located in the Ohaji Local Government Area.

Adejobi described how the police operatives acted quickly, locating the criminals’ hideout and engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gunfight. According to the victims, they had been ambushed by the gunmen while traveling to Owerri from their community in Awarra to attend a wedding. The kidnappers had shot at their vehicle, forcing them to stop.

During the operation, the authorities recovered various ammunition, including an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and 21 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition from the scene.

Adejobi emphasized the police force's commitment to fighting serious crimes such as kidnapping and assured the public that efforts to eliminate criminal elements would continue in order to ensure the safety and security of residents. Kidnapping for ransom is a prevalent crime in Nigeria, with police often involved in gunfights with kidnappers before rescuing the victims. In December of the previous year, the Katsina State Police Command had rescued 10 individuals from kidnappers after an armed attack on a commercial vehicle along the Katsina-Magama Jibia road in Jibia Local Government Area.