By Tayo Joseph Lagos
Thomas Arnold Pearce and Hendrik Gideon Smith, both South Africans who were kidnapped on 23 January, at Maidoro village, Kaduna state have been rescued by the police.
The operation which lasted several hours in the Forest in Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State that led to the release of the two South African Nationals was made possible through coordinated efforts led by Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State. The IGP Intelligence Response Team, Police Special Forces, Police Airwing (Police Aerial Surveillance Helicopter) and Police personnel from Kaduna State Command overwhelmed the kidnappers and the two victims were released.
The two South African Nationals have been handed over to the South African High Commission in Nigeria in the presence of their company’s representatives. Investigation is ongoing and effort is being intensified by the Joint Police Teams who are still in the Forest to arrest the kidnappers that carried out the crime.
The Force will not relent in its renewed effort to rid the country of all forms of crimes and criminality and ensure adequate protection, security and safety of lives and properties of all Nigerians and other Nationals throughout the country.
