In a remarkable display of courage and quick thinking, Air Commodore John Ijudigal, a serving officer in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), successfully thwarted a robbery and kidnapping attempt by notorious ‘one-chance’ operators in Abuja on February 14, 2024. The incident unfolded at Accra Road, Wuse Zone 5, resulting in the apprehension of three suspects and the rescue of two kidnapped victims.
At approximately 7:28 pm, Air Commodore Ijudigal, commuting home in his staff car, encountered a distressing scene—an Abuja-painted taxi (Mazda 323, registration BWR 232 XB) reversing at high speed, with terrified passengers screaming for help. A black Toyota Land Cruiser was in pursuit. Air Commodore Ijudigal instinctively joined the chase, using his official vehicle to block the escape route of the criminals.
In the ensuing collision between the ‘one-chance’ vehicle and Air Commodore Ijudigal’s official car, significant damage occurred to both vehicles. The impact forced the ‘one-chance’ vehicle into a nearby garden. Undeterred, Air Commodore Ijudigal pursued one of the fleeing suspects into a nearby bush with the assistance of onlookers. The driver of the ‘one-chance’ vehicle and two other suspects (a male and a female) were apprehended, while two female victims were successfully rescued.
Air Commodore Ijudigal promptly contacted the nearest police post and personally handed over the three criminals to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Mr. Benneth Igweh, at his office.
FCT Commissioner of Police Mr. Benneth Igweh commended Air Commodore Ijudigal for his courage, emphasizing that his intervention not only thwarted a potential tragedy but also contributed significantly to the apprehension of criminals posing a security risk in the FCT. The Commissioner praised the senior officer’s act as a demonstration of bravery and unwavering commitment to public service, stating that, “The swift and decisive measures taken no doubt averted a potential tragedy, reinstating confidence in the security forces.”
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed commendation for Air Commodore Ijudigal’s bravery and selfless service. The senior officer, a former NAF Deputy Director of Sports and currently the Deputy Director of Logistics at the Defence Headquarters, received recognition for his exceptional actions during a critical security incident.
