Operation Udo Ga Chi: Anambra Police Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers, Including Woman; Recover Cache of Firearms

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping gang and recovered a significant cache of firearms and ammunition in a coordinated operation under the ongoing Operation Udo Ga Chi – Zero Kidnapping.

The suspects, identified as 52-year-old Celestine Onuyia and 45-year-old Jacinta Okolo Udenka, both residents of Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area, were arrested on April 13, 2025, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad/Anti-Kidnapping Unit. A subsequent search of their residence led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, seven single-barrel dane guns, and twenty-eight live cartridges.

According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, further intelligence extracted during interrogation of the suspects led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines from a criminal hideout located in Omasi, Ayamelum Local Government Area, on April 20, 2025.

The arrests are linked to the investigation of a kidnapping incident that occurred in Nnewi in July 2024. In that case, the victim was released only after a ransom of seventeen million, five hundred thousand naira (#17,500,000) was paid.

The police disclosed that preliminary investigations suggest Mr. Onuyia is allegedly a native doctor who provides criminal charms and stores weapons for the gang, while Mrs. Udenka is believed to play an active role in sourcing information about potential victims to aid in the planning of their operations.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, reiterated the Command’s commitment to thoroughly investigate all leads and ensure that those involved in criminal activities are apprehended and prosecuted. He also reassured residents of the Command’s continued efforts to prevent further crimes and safeguard communities across the state.