The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four men linked to cases of armed robbery and kidnapping in the state, while also rescuing a kidnap victim just hours after he was abducted.
The suspects, identified as Uchenna Aniegboka, Sunday Nwakalor, Chukwuebuka Aniegbunam, and Onyebuchi Udemba, were arrested on September 24 in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, following a raid by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu. Police also recovered a pump-action gun and a black Toyota Camry with registration number SMK 835 FC during the operation.
Police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the arrests in a statement on Tuesday, explaining that the operation was based on credible intelligence. He added that investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would face prosecution once the process was complete. According to him, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has assured residents of the command’s determination to ensure that criminal gangs are flushed out of Anambra. He also encouraged members of the public to continue providing useful information that could aid security agencies.
In a separate development, operatives also rescued a man who was abducted by gunmen at Umuru Village, Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area. The victim’s captors had demanded ₦10 million in ransom, but a combined tactical team launched a swift operation that forced the criminals to abandon their victim near the Oba/Ojoto axis after a hot pursuit.
Ikenga noted that the victim was rescued unharmed, debriefed, and has since reunited with his family. He further disclosed that police are working with intelligence leads to track down the fleeing suspects. The Commissioner of Police commended the team for their bravery and restated his command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
This latest development comes barely weeks after the command foiled several kidnap attempts in August, rescuing three victims in separate operations. During those operations, police also apprehended a notorious member of a proscribed separatist group and recovered arms along with incriminating materials.
With the fresh arrests and swift rescue operation, the Anambra State Police Command is sending a clear message to criminal elements that there will be no safe haven for crime in the state.