Security Operatives Successfully Rescue Kidnapped Catholic Priest, Three Others in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has announced the rescue of a kidnapped Catholic priest and three additional hostages. The operation, executed by a special squad team, was praised for its effectiveness and professionalism.

According to DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, the successful rescue operation was carried out by the Forward Operating Base (FOB), a task force comprising military and paramilitary units based in Aguata. They received crucial support from the Police Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu.

The well-coordinated mission saw the team storming an insurgent camp located at Ogbunka in the Orumba South Local Government Area, where the victims were held captive. The hostages, fortunately, emerged unharmed from their ordeal.

During the operation, law enforcement arrested three suspects and recovered a substantial amount of evidence. Nine vehicles, three Pump Action guns, stolen camouflage uniforms, and a Biafra flag were among the items confiscated. Additionally, numerous phones, flash drives, and SIM cards were seized, providing valuable leads for ongoing investigations and potential prosecutions.

The criminal gang had been responsible for a series of abductions in Orumba North and South, as well as parts of Aguata council area in recent times. All of the abducted victims were taken in October, and the successful rescue operation was the culmination of months of diligent and painstaking intelligence gathering and investigation.

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, oversaw and coordinated the operation, commending all the service personnel and vigilantes involved for their professionalism and commitment, which ensured that no lives were lost during the operation.

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra also extended his commendation to the operatives and pledged continued support for all services engaged in joint security operations across the state.