Chief of the Air Staff , Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar and the Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh have both commended a serving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officer, Air Commodore John Ijudigal, who foiled robbery/kidnapping attempt by suspected criminals popularly known as ‘one-chance’ on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ijusigal who was returning home after the closed of work on that fateful day ran into a distressing scene where an Abuja-painted taxi (Mazda 323, registration BWR 232 XB) reversing on high speed, with terrified passengers inside- screaming for help. However, a black Toyota Land Cruiser was chasing the taxi before the gallant air force officer also joined that rescue operation.
The incident which took place at Accra Road, Wuse Zone 5, led to the apprehension of three of the suspects and the eventual rescue of two of the kidnapped victims.
Commodore Ijudigal in his desperate bid to rescue the victims risked his official vehicle, which he used and block the escape route of the criminals. The driver of the ‘one-chance’ vehicle, in a state of panic, then collided with the 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.
Notwithstanding, with the assistance of onlookers gathered at the accident scene, 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.
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.
However, the FCT Commissioner of Police who 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. The Commissioner 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.”
In the same vein, the Chief of the Air Staff , Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has since commended the senior officer for his bravery and act of selfless service. Air Commodore Ijudigal is a former NAF Deputy Director of Sports and currently the Deputy Director of Logistics at the Defence Headquarters.
