The Anambra State Police Command has foiled a kidnapping attempt by a gang suspected to be members of a secessionist group.
In a statement on Saturday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that one suspect was killed during a gun battle, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
The incident occurred on Friday along Agulu/Nnobi Road.
Ikenga said, “Police operatives from the Operations Department of the Command and attached to a VIP in the state on 29/11/2024 by 8:30 pm along Agulu/Nnobi road, demobilised one of the criminal elements in the state and recovered one pump action gun, five live cartridges, five machetes, two SUV jeeps, and two pairs of desert shoes.”
The statement further noted, “The operatives resisted the armed men operating in a grey-coloured Lexus ES 330 with Plate No: ACA 551 MA and an ash-coloured Toyota Highlander with Plate No: SMK 544, who attacked their convoy unprovoked.”
According to Ikenga, the swift response by the Joint Security Team, comprising police and AVG operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area, forced the assailants to abandon their vehicles and flee into a nearby bush with injuries.
“Meanwhile, the operatives have sustained operations in the area aimed at arresting the fleeing members. Members of the public and residents of the area have also been called upon to assist the Command with information in this regard,” the statement added.
In another operation, the Joint Security Team, including police from the Dunukofia Division and vigilante members, responded to a distress call along Ukwulu Road in Dunukofia Local Government Area, rescuing abducted victims.
Ikenga revealed, “Preliminary information shows that the armed men abducted the victims on 27/11/2024 by 7 am along Ugwunwasike-Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the State.”
The kidnappers shot the victims when they realized they were being pursued by security operatives.
“The culprits shot the abductees when they observed that they were being trailed by the security operatives, abandoned them in the vehicle and fled the scene,” Ikenga said.
He added, “Meanwhile, the Joint Security Team have secured the victims and rushed them to the hospital for medical attention. However, while one of them was responding to treatment, the other was sadly confirmed dead by the doctors on duty. The vehicle has also been recovered.”
The police have intensified operations in the area, with Ikenga assuring, “Further development shall be communicated, please.”
