The Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of four suspected kidnappers involved in separate kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across the state. The police spokesman, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Awka.
Foiled Kidnap Attempt and Arrest of Three Suspects
On 16 July, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in collaboration with detectives from the Ogbaru Divisional Police Station, foiled a suspected kidnap plot in Iyiowa, Odekpe, Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area. The team arrested three male suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate: Chekwube Chukwu, 32; Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34; and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30.
A black Toyota Camry with tinted glasses and Lagos registration number LND 789HR, believed to have been used by the gang, was recovered. Preliminary investigation revealed the suspects were intercepted while actively attempting to abduct a female Point of Sale (POS) operator at Atani in the morning. The victim raised an alarm, drawing residents' attention and prompting a swift police response to a distress call. The timely intervention frustrated the kidnap attempt, leading to the rescue of the victim and the subsequent arrest of the suspects.
Link to Earlier Kidnapping and Ransom Payment
Further investigation linked the suspects to the earlier kidnapping of another female POS operator at Dominion Park, Head Bridge, Onitsha, on 3 June 2026. The suspects dispossessed the operator of two POS machines and Android phones, and compelled the family to pay N3.5 million ransom before she was released. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crimes. Mr Ikenga said the suspects are currently providing useful information to assist the police in identifying and arresting their criminal receivers and other syndicate members operating within the state.
Arrest of Another Suspected Kidnapper
On the afternoon of 15 July, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, arrested a 32-year-old man, Johnbosco Okoye, also known as Bone. The arrest was in continuation of the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of a victim at Okpanam, Asaba, Delta State. The victim was abducted, robbed, and forced to pay a ransom before being released.
During a search of the suspect, operatives recovered one locally fabricated pistol, two live rounds of ammunition, one axe, and one Itel Android phone bearing the victim's photograph as its screensaver. The suspect confessed to the crime, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other gang members currently at large.
Police Commitment to Public Safety
Mr Ikenga said the operations underscore the command's commitment to dismantling criminal networks and improving public safety in Anambra. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information to enhance security across the state.
