Anambra Police Rescue Four Kidnap Victims, Arrest 10 Suspects, Recover Weapons

The Anambra State Police Command has reported a series of significant security successes over the past two weeks, including the rescue of four kidnapped victims, the arrest of ten suspects, and the recovery of various firearms and ammunition. Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu made these revelations during a press briefing held at the State Police Command Headquarters on Friday.

According to CP Orutugu, security operatives, including the police, the Anambra State Vigilante Group, and other agencies, have intensified efforts to combat criminal activities across the state. Among those rescued was Rev. Father Stephen Echezona, a Catholic priest who was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida on March 23. The police, working alongside the military, successfully freed the priest following a gunfight with the kidnappers, who had been using an unregistered white Lexus SUV.

In another operation on March 22, a joint security team rescued three kidnapped victims along the Onitsha/Owerri Express Road in Ozubulu. The victims, who sustained injuries inflicted by the kidnappers, were immediately taken to a hospital and are reportedly responding to treatment. The police continue their efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.

On the same day, officers from the Obosi Division, acting on intelligence, apprehended Kosiso Okonkwo along the Obosi/Nkpor expressway. The suspect, who confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity, was found in possession of a Beretta pistol. Further security operations on March 18 led to the arrest of two other suspects, Chibuike Ozoekwem (22) and Favour Patrick (19), during a raid in Awka. They were found with a pump-action gun, sixteen expended cartridges, a battle axe, and two stolen phones, one of which was later identified by a robbery victim.

Continuing its crackdown, the police on March 26 intercepted a tricycle at the Book Foundation axis in Ifite Awka, where a passenger, Somtochukwu Okoye from Umuike Village, was found in possession of a locally made Beretta pistol. Okoye, a confessed member of the Junior Viking secret cult, admitted that the firearm belonged to Augustine Okafor, also known as “ABOY,” who was already in police custody for illegal possession of firearms.

The following day, another arrest was made at Dynamo Junction, Ifite Awka. Officers from the B Division apprehended Richard Onwugbufo from Ugbulu village, Oraifite, who was found with a Beretta pistol and three rounds of live ammunition. The Commissioner assured that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

CP Orutugu also expressed sympathy for victims of a fire incident that occurred at a warehouse in Onitsha earlier on Friday. He confirmed that while no lives were lost, police have taken over the scene to investigate the cause of the fire and prevent potential criminal activities.

The Commissioner extended his best wishes to the Muslim community in Anambra for a peaceful Sallah celebration and reassured residents that the Police Command will continue working closely with security agencies and local vigilantes to ensure safety and order. He urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by providing timely information to aid in crime prevention and resolution.

CP Orutugu, who assumed duty as the 35th Commissioner of Police in Anambra on February 10, has led a series of operations resulting in a notable reduction in crime rates, multiple arrests, successful rescues, and significant arms recoveries across the state.