A brave Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officer, Air Commodore John Ijudigal, has been applauded for successfully foiling a robbery/kidnapping attempt by suspected criminals popularly known as ‘one-chance’ in Abuja.
According to findings, the incident occurred on 14 February 2024 at Accra Road, Wuse Zone 5, leading to the apprehension of three of the suspects and the eventual rescue of two of the kidnapped victims.
In a statement, Director of Public Relations and Information Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet said, the incident occurred around 7.28pm as Air Commodore Ijudigal was commuting home in his staff car after work.
He was said to have suddenly come across an Abuja-painted taxi (Mazda 323, registration BWR 232 XB) reversing on high speed, with terrified passengers inside screaming for help.
In pursuit of the taxi was a black Toyota Land Cruiser. Instinctively, Air Commodore Ijudigal immediately joined in the pursuit by using his official vehicle to block the escape route of the criminals.
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Gabkwet said: “The driver of the ‘one-chance’ vehicle, in a state of panic, then collided with Air Commodore Idjudigal’s official vehicle, resulting in significant damage to both cars. The impact caused 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 assistance of onlookers gathered at the accident scene, the driver of the ‘one-chance’ vehicle, along with 2 other suspects (a male and a female), were apprehended, while 2 female victims were rescued.
“Subsequently, Air Commodore Ijudigal contacted a nearest police post and personally ensured the 3 criminals were handed over to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Mr Benneth Igweh, at his office.”
FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh commended Air Commodore Ijudigal for his courage, highlighting that his intervention not only foiled a robbery/kidnapping attempt but also played crucial role in apprehending criminals who have constituted a security risk to law-abiding citizens of the FCT.
Igweh further praised the senior officer’s act as a demonstration of bravery and unwavering commitment to public service.
According to him: “The swift and decisive measures taken no doubt averted a potential tragedy, reinstating confidence in the security forces”.
Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the senior officer for his bravery and act of selfless service.
Air Commodore Ijudigal is a former NAF Deputy Director of Sports and the Deputy Director of Logistics at the Defence Headquarters.