In a decisive series of operations, the Anambra State Police Command has successfully rescued four kidnapped victims, including a Catholic Reverend father, and apprehended over 10 criminal suspects across various locations in the state.
The coordinated efforts involved intensive patrols and targeted crackdowns, yielding significant recoveries including 10 firearms of various types, sixteen expended cartridges, 46 rounds of live ammunition, four vehicles, and other incriminating items.
According to a statement released by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, the operations were conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies.
Three of the recovered vehicles have already been returned to their rightful owners.
Highlighting specific successes, SP Ikenga recounted an operation on March 23rd where a joint security team, including police and military personnel, rescued Reverend Father Stephen Echezona in Ihiala.
The priest had been abducted at a fuel station in Ichida and was liberated unharmed after security forces engaged the kidnappers in a confrontation.
Similarly, on March 22nd along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Ozubulu, security operatives rescued three victims who had sustained injuries while in captivity.
They were promptly transported to a medical facility for treatment and are reportedly recovering.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend all perpetrators involved in these crimes. Notably, on the same day, police operatives apprehended Kosiso Okonkwo along the Obosi-Nkpor Expressway, recovering a Beretta pistol from him. Okonkwo, during questioning, confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity.
In another operation, the Special Anti-Cult Unit in Enugwu-Ukwu apprehended robbery suspects Chibuike Ozoekwem (22) and Favour Patrick (19) on March 18th at an uncompleted building in Awka, recovering a pump-action gun, expended cartridges, a battle axe, and suspected stolen phones from the duo.
Further operations led to the interception of criminal activities, including the arrest of suspects implicated in illegal firearm possession and affiliation with secret cults.
The arrests were made possible through vigilant policing efforts, including stop-and-search operations at various checkpoints across the state.
SP Ikenga emphasized that all arrested suspects will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations, underscoring the Anambra State Police Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring public safety in collaboration with military, security agencies, and local vigilante groups.
The developments mark a significant stride in combating criminal activities in Anambra State, reinforcing the authorities’ determination to safeguard lives and property within the region.
For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned to The Punch Newspapers.
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