The Anambra State Police Command has announced a string of major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against violent crime, including the arrest of a notorious member of a proscribed separatist group, the rescue of three kidnap victims, and the recovery of arms and other incriminating items in separate operations across the state.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, the operations were carried out under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps, PhD, who reiterated the Command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements.
“In the early hours of today, 15th July 2025, operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad arrested one Gospel Ozioma Nneto, male, aged 31, also known as ‘OZ,’ a notorious leader of a proscribed armed separatist group,” the statement read.
The suspect, described by police as a known terrorist, kidnapper, and armed robber, reportedly confessed during interrogation that he served as a photographer for the group and operated from a camp known as Mother Valley in the Orsumohu–Orsu axis.
“He is currently undergoing further interrogation as discreet investigations continue to uncover his criminal network,” Ikenga added.
In a related development, police operatives from Nimo Division and local vigilante groups, acting on credible intelligence, launched a search in forested areas between Oraukwu and Nimo communities on Monday evening.
“This led to the successful rescue of two female kidnap victims. The victims will be reunited with their families after necessary medical and psychological evaluations,” the statement said.
In another breakthrough, operatives from Nteje Division responded to an attempted attack by two armed suspects on the evening of 14th July 2025. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the neutralisation of the suspects.
Recovered items from the various operations include:
- One (1) pump-action gun
- One (1) dagger
- Other incriminating items
“Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal syndicates involved in these incidents,” Ikenga said.
The Police Command assured residents that it remains unwavering in its mission to ensure the safety and security of all within Anambra State.
“The Command remains resolute in its mission to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors to Anambra State,” the statement concluded.
