Anambra Police Bust Kidnap Syndicate, Arrest Four, Recover Guns, Ammo

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu, Anambra State, have arrested four suspected members of a kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate, recovering firearms and ammunition during the operation. The arrests were made in the early hours of September 1, 2025, in Amansea, Awka, following credible intelligence linked to a recent abduction case.

Police reports indicate that the suspects — identified as Chigozie Igboekwu, 31; Odumegwu Chibuike, 23; Jonah Awudu, 40; and Okechukwu Nwari, 33 — were apprehended with two pump action guns and nine live cartridges. Their arrest is connected to the kidnapping of two victims in Amansea on August 12, 2025. The victims were held in a bush at Ugwuoba, Enugu State, for two days before being released after a ransom of five million naira was paid.

The suspects have reportedly confessed to the crime, providing details of how they conspired and executed the abduction. The case had initially been reported to B Division Awka before being transferred to the Rapid Response Squad on August 14, 2025, for further investigation.

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their resilience and reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to combating crime and safeguarding lives and property. The police confirmed that the suspects will be charged in court once investigations are concluded, while efforts continue to track down other members of the gang still at large.