Air Commodore John Ijudigal, a serving officer of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), thwarted a robbery and kidnapping attempt by suspected criminals known as ‘one-chance’ in Abuja on February 14, 2024.
The incident unfolded at Accra Road, Wuse Zone 5, as Air Commodore Ijudigal was commuting home in his staff car after work.
A distressing scene caught his attention—a taxi (Mazda 323, registration BWR 232 XB) was reversing on high speed, with terrified passengers inside screaming for help.
According to a statement from NAF spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the incident occurred at about 7.28.
The statement Partly read, “He suddenly came across a distressing scene: 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.
“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.
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“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.
“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,” the statement concluded.
