The Anambra State Police Command has successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt by a gang believed to be affiliated with a secessionist group.
In a statement released on Saturday, State Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that one suspect was killed in a gun battle, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The incident unfolded on Friday along the Agulu/Nnobi Road.
Ikenga stated, “Police operatives from the Operations Department, assigned to protect a VIP in the state, engaged the criminals on 29/11/2024 at 8:30 pm along Agulu/Nnobi Road. They neutralized one of the suspects and confiscated a pump-action shotgun, five live cartridges, five machetes, two SUV jeeps, and two pairs of desert boots.”
The statement also detailed how the operatives confronted the armed men, who were operating a gray Lexus ES 330 with license plate ACA 551 MA and an ash-colored Toyota Highlander with plate number SMK 544. These men had launched an unprovoked attack on the police convoy.
According to Ikenga, the rapid response from the Joint Security Team, which included both police and AVG operatives under the leadership of the Divisional Police Officer of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area, compelled the assailants to abandon their vehicles and flee into nearby foliage, nursing injuries.
“The operatives are continuing operations in the area to apprehend the fleeing suspects. We urge the public and local residents to assist the Command by providing any relevant information,” the statement added.
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– Another rescue operation
In a separate operation, the Joint Security Team, which included police from the Dunukofia Division and local vigilantes, responded to a distress call along Ukwulu Road in Dunukofia Local Government Area, successfully rescuing abducted victims.
Ikenga disclosed, “Preliminary investigations indicate that armed men kidnapped the victims on 27/11/2024 at 7 am along Ugwunwasike-Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area.”
The kidnappers opened fire on the victims upon realizing they were being pursued by security operatives.
“The perpetrators shot the abductees when they recognized they were being followed, abandoned them in the vehicle, and fled the scene,” Ikenga explained.
He continued, “The Joint Security Team has secured the victims and transported them to the hospital for medical care. Tragically, while one victim is responding to treatment, the other has been confirmed deceased by medical staff. The vehicle used in the abduction has also been recovered.”
