Police say their efforts forced kidnappers to release former SGF

The Nigerian Police Force has said that its efforts forced the kidnappers of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Olu Falae to release him.

The police had earlier said that its officers rescued the former SGF and that no ransom was paid to secure his release.

The statement reads in part:

“The office of the Inspector-General of Police has been inundated with enquires on claims by Chief Olu Falae and his family that a ransom was paid to his abductors following the kidnapping incident involving him on 21st September, 2015 and eventual release on 24th September, 2015.”

“As a law enforcement agency guided by rule of law and professional ethics we do not under any circumstance encourage the payment of ransom to kidnappers or other criminals as it is tantamount to rewarding crime and motivating other criminals to follow that path.”

“As such, the Police was not in any way privy to any arrangement that would have led to payment of ransom by the elder statesman or his family. For the respected Chief to declare that he paid a ransom for his release is therefore, a demotivating news.”

“The Police under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police deployed our unique intelligence and operational capabilities including Police helicopters for aerial surveillance. Our intelligence and operational teams comprising Intelligence Response Team (a special anti-kidnapping unit), Conventional and Mobile Policemen were deployed for rescue operation.”

“In the process, we were able to identify the major actors and currently high level Police activities are being emplaced to apprehend and bring them to justice.”

“As professionals, it is our conviction that the unprecedented and massive deployment of Police resources and men to support search and rescue operations put pressure on the criminals to release the elder statesman.”

“This is much so, that history has shown that even where ransom is proven to have been paid the life or safe return of a kidnap victim may not be guaranteed. The primary interest of the Police in this instance and granted the circumstances of the incident), was the safe rescue of Chief Olu Falae which was achieved.”

Falae has revealed, on Monday, September 28, that his family had paid a ransom to his abductors who threatened to kill him if the money wasn’t received on time.