The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers during separate operations across the state, preventing an attempted abduction and recovering weapons, ammunition and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
The arrests were disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in the command’s weekly security update.
According to the police, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu arrested a 32-year-old suspect, Okoye Ibegbunam Chukwuebuka John Bosco, also known as “Bone,” on July 15 over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a victim in Okpanam, Delta State.
Police alleged that the victim was abducted, robbed and forced to pay a ransom before being released.
During the suspect’s arrest, officers reportedly recovered a locally made pistol, two live rounds of ammunition, an axe and an Itel Android phone displaying the victim’s photograph as its wallpaper.
Investigators said the suspect allegedly admitted to participating in the crime, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected gang.
In another operation, RRS operatives, working alongside detectives from the Ogbaru Divisional Police Headquarters, foiled an attempted kidnapping in Ogbaru on July 16.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Chekwube Chukwu, Amarachukwu Nwobosi and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor.
Police also recovered a black Toyota Camry with Lagos registration number LND 789HR, which investigators believe was being used in the suspected criminal operation.
According to the command, the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to abduct a female Point of Sale (POS) operator in Iyiowa, Odekpe, Atani.
The police said the victim’s call for help attracted nearby residents, while a distress report prompted officers to respond quickly, preventing the abduction and leading to the suspects’ arrest.
Further investigations reportedly linked the three suspects to the earlier kidnapping of another female POS operator in Onitsha, where the victim was allegedly abducted, dispossessed of two POS machines and mobile phones, and forced to pay a ₦3.5 million ransom before regaining her freedom.
Police said the suspects are cooperating with investigators by providing information that could help identify other members of the alleged kidnapping syndicate and individuals suspected of receiving stolen items.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across Anambra State and urged residents to continue providing useful information to support ongoing security operations.
