The Police spokesman in the state, CSP Mike Abattam, said the victim was rescued while the kidnappers were trying to get away with him.

The PPRO in a statement said, “On 27/10/2021 at about 12:55pm, following a distress call that the Director of Dutch Global Gas Station Limited has been kidnapped by five armed men who trailed, double-crossed and blocked his vehicle, a G-Wagon jeep by a shop along Akwakuma Road in Owerri West LGA of Imo, with a sky blue Lexus Jeep…while driving in company with his friend.

“That they shot sporadically into the air, causing fear and pandemonium which made passersby run for safety and in the process they forced the victims out of their vehicle and pushed them into their Lexus jeep and zoomed off.

“Immediately, the command’s tactical teams on patrol within the axis were alerted, they speed to the area giving the hoodlums a hot chase.

“Joined by other tactical teams, the kidnappers on sighting their numbers and the pressure mounted felt threatened hence, they abandoned their vehicle with the victims and fled into hiding.

“The victims were rescued unhurt and have since reunited with their families.

“The victim’s G-Wagon jeep was later recovered at the scene with three expended cartridges.

“Efforts are on top gear to arrest the fleeing suspects, the statement added.