‎Anambra Police Nab 4 Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearm, Ammunition in Anti-Crime Operations

The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing offensive against violent crime with the arrest of four suspected kidnappers in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

‎The operations, carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, in collaboration with the Ogbaru Divisional Police Headquarters, led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, live ammunition, an axe, an operational vehicle and other incriminating items believed to have been used in kidnapping activities.

‎The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the arrests on Sunday during the Command’s weekly security review, describing the successes as part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety in Anambra State.

‎According to him, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad on July 15 arrested Okoye Ibegbunam Chukwuebuka John Bosco, popularly known as “Bone,” aged 32, in connection with the abduction of a victim at Okpanam in Asaba, Delta State.

‎Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was kidnapped, robbed and forced to pay a ransom before regaining his freedom.

‎A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, two live rounds of ammunition, an axe and an Itel Android phone bearing the victim’s photograph as its screensaver, further strengthening the investigation.

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‎Ikenga said the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in the kidnapping, while efforts have been intensified to track down other members of the gang who remain at large.

‎In a related operation on July 16, police operatives foiled an attempted kidnapping of a female Point-of-Sale (POS) operator at Iyiowa, Odekpe, Atani, in Ogbaru Local Government Area.

The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate identified as Chekwube Chukwu, 32; Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34; and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30.

‎The operatives also recovered a black Toyota Camry with tinted windows bearing Lagos registration number LND 789HR, suspected to have been used by the gang for its operations.

Investigations indicated that the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to abduct the POS operator. The victim reportedly raised an alarm, drawing the attention of residents, who alerted the police through a distress call.

‎ The swift response by security operatives frustrated the abduction and led to the rescue of the victim as well as the arrest of the suspects.

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‎Further investigations linked the three suspects to the kidnapping of another female POS operator at Dominion Park, Head Bridge, Onitsha, on June 3, 2026.

‎According to the police, the victim was abducted, dispossessed of two POS machines and Android phones, and compelled to pay a ransom of ₦3.5 million before she was released.

‎The Command said the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crimes and are currently providing investigators with useful information aimed at identifying and arresting other members of the syndicate, including those suspected of receiving proceeds of their criminal activities.

‎Commending the operatives for the successful operations, the Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven policing and intensifying efforts to rid the state of kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

‎The Command also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely, credible and actionable information, stressing that effective collaboration between the police and the public remains crucial to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

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