A serving Nigerian Air Force officer, Air Commodore John Ijudigal, has recused two persons held hostage by suspected one-chance operators along the Wuse Zone 5 area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Jerrymusa.com reports that around 7:28 p.m., as the officer was leaving the office, reports indicate that he noticed a car reversing quickly while those inside were yelling for assistance.
Ijudigal’s Bravery Saves the Day
According to a statement released on Saturday by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigeria Air Force, “Ijudigal joined another vehicle to pursue the alleged one-chance operators and used his official vehicle to obstruct the criminals’ escape route.”
He claimed that the driver of the “one-chance” car struck Idjudigal’s government vehicle in a state of fear, seriously damaging both cars. According to Gabkwet, the “one-chance” car skidded into a nearby garden as a result of the collision.
“Immediately after, Ijudigal got out of his car and went after one of the people inside the ‘one-chance’ cab who had escaped into a nearby bush.”
According to the announcement, “A serving officer in Abuja successfully prevented a robbery or kidnapping attempt by suspected criminals known as ‘one-chance.'”
After the incident on February 14, 2024, near Accra Road, Wuse Zone 5, three culprits were apprehended, and two of the victims who had been kidnapped were freed.
“Air Commodore Ijudigal was travelling home in his staff car after work at approximately 7:28 p.m. when he unexpectedly came into a troubling situation.
“Fearful passengers inside an Abuja-painted taxi (Mazda 323, registration BWR 232 XB) are shouting for help as the vehicle reverses quickly.
“Following a panicked collision with Air Commodore Idjudigal’s official vehicle, the driver of the ‘one-chance’ vehicle seriously damaged both vehicles.”
The “one-chance” car skidded into a neighbouring lawn as a result of the collision.
Air Commodore Ijudigal immediately got out of his car after the crash and began after one of the “one-chance” taxi’s occupants had run into a nearby bush.
“Ijudigal, with support from bystanders detained and turned them over to Benneth Igweh, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT.
“The driver of the ‘one-chance’ vehicle, along with two other suspects (a male and a female), were apprehended while two female victims were rescued,” Gabkwet continued, citing the support of witnesses gathered at the accident scene.
“Thereafter, Ijudigal made contact with the closest police station and personally made sure the three offenders were turned over to Mr Benneth Igweh, the FCT Commissioner of Police, at his office.”
According to Gabkwet, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff, has subsequently complimented the senior officer on his daring and selfless act of duty.