One officer killed as police rescue kidnapped victims, smash gang in Anambra

CP Ikioye Orutugu displays some of the weapons and items recovered during the briefing at the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters in Awka.

The Anambra State Police Command says it has recorded major breakthroughs in its operations against kidnapping, cultism, child trafficking, sexual offences and violent crime across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this in Awka while briefing journalists on recent security operations, saying the successes followed intelligence-led policing and support from residents.

He said on May 10, operatives rescued four kidnapped victims, including the Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, three days after they were abducted.

According to him, the victims were freed during a gun battle between police operatives and members of a kidnapping gang at their hideout in Obosi.

He said: “Two armed suspects were neutralised during the operation, while we recovered a locally made pistol, 100 rounds of GPMG ammunition, 23 expended cartridges and three vehicles, including a silver Lexus RX 350 belonging to one of the victims.”

CP Orutugu, however, said the operation claimed the life of a police officer, while two others sustained injuries.

“The officer paid the supreme sacrifice in active service to the nation,” he said, adding that the state government had pledged support for the family of the deceased and injured officers.

He also disclosed that operatives later cordoned off the building used as the kidnappers’ hideout after angry residents attempted to set it ablaze.

In another operation, the Commissioner said police stormed criminal camps in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area, following intelligence on regrouping members of proscribed secessionist-linked groups.

He said the raid led to the recovery of a General Purpose Machine Gun with about 2,000 rounds of ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 improvised explosive devices, a locally made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades and other items.

He added that one Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, 37, alleged to be a commander of the group, was in custody.

In a separate development, police arrested 22-year-old Favour Izunna, also known as “Njoku,” alleged to be a member of the Vikings Confraternity cult group.

The suspect, according to the police, confessed to involvement in several killings in Obosi and neighbouring communities, including the murders of Emeka Chukwuka and Chinelo Onyeka.

His arrest led to the recovery of a pump-action gun, seven cartridges, a locally made Beretta pistol and five rounds of ammunition.

The Command said efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects and dismantle the cult network.

On crimes involving minors, CP Orutugu said five suspects had been remanded over alleged sexual offences and child abuse in Awka and surrounding areas.

He said one of the suspects was a father accused of having unlawful sexual relations with his biological daughter in Oko.

He described such offences as “grave violations,” adding that all cases would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

The police also confirmed the arrest of Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu over alleged child trafficking in Aguata Local Government Area.

It said 12 children aged between one and 20 years — seven girls and five boys — were rescued during the operation.

The children have since been placed under protective care while investigations continue.

CP Orutugu urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies.

He also commended the Inspector-General of Police, the Anambra State Government, sister security agencies and community leaders for their support in ongoing security operations.