The Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on violent crimes, rescuing kidnapped victims, recovering heavy weapons, arresting suspected cultists, and dismantling an alleged child-trafficking network across the state.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, said the Command had intensified intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism, armed violence, sexual offences, and child trafficking.
According to him, one of the biggest breakthroughs came on May 10, 2026, when police operatives rescued four kidnapped victims, including the Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor, three days after they were abducted.
Orutugu disclosed that the rescue followed a fierce gun battle between police operatives and suspected kidnappers at their hideout in Obosi.
“In the course of the operation, two armed suspects were neutralised, while operatives recovered one locally made pistol, 100 rounds of live GPMG ammunition, 23 expended rounds, and three vehicles, including a silver Lexus RX 350 belonging to one of the rescued victims,” he said.
The police commissioner, however, revealed that a police officer lost his life during the exchange of gunfire, while two others sustained injuries.
“The officer paid the supreme sacrifice in active service to the nation. The Command honours his courage, gallantry, and dedication to duty,” Orutugu stated, while commending the Anambra State Government for pledging support for the deceased officer’s family and treatment of the injured personnel.
He added that the building where the victims were rescued had been cordoned off after angry residents attempted to set it ablaze.
The police boss also disclosed that operatives carried out strategic clearance operations in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area, targeting criminal camps linked to a proscribed secessionist group.
According to him, one suspect identified as Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, said to be a top commander of the group, is already in custody.
He said the operation led to the recovery of a General Purpose Machine Gun with about 2,000 rounds of live ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 Improvised Explosive Devices, one locally made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades, and other dangerous items.
“The operatives also dislodged the armed criminals and sustained operational dominance in the area to prevent any regrouping,” he said.
In another operation, police operatives arrested a suspected cultist identified as Favour Izunna, also known as Njoku, alleged to be a member of the Vikings Confraternity.
The police said the suspect led operatives to the recovery of a pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, a locally made Beretta pistol, and five rounds of live ammunition.
Orutugu said the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in multiple killings in Obosi and surrounding communities, including the murder of two victims identified as Emeka Chukwuka and Chinelo Onyeka.
The commissioner added that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members linked to the cult group.
On crimes involving children and vulnerable persons, the police commissioner revealed that five suspects had been remanded over alleged sexual offences and child abuse cases in Awka.
Among them, he said, was a father accused of having unlawful sexual relations with his biological daughter in Oko.
“The Command views crimes against children and vulnerable persons as grave violations and assures the public that all cases involving sexual abuse, violence against children, and related offences will be thoroughly investigated and diligently prosecuted,” he said.
The Command also announced the arrest of a female suspect identified as Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu over alleged child trafficking activities in Aguata Local Government Area.
According to the police, 12 children — seven girls and five boys aged between one and 20 years — were rescued during the operation.
“The children have been placed under protective care while investigations continue to uncover the full network and possible collaborators connected to the criminal act,” Orutugu stated.
Reaffirming the Command’s resolve to sustain ongoing offensives against criminal elements, the commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
“We shall continue to strengthen security, uphold justice, and make Anambra State increasingly hostile to criminals,” he added.
