By Our Correspondent
The Anambra State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing offensive against kidnapping, cultism, armed violence, child trafficking and sexual offences across the state.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, said the achievements were made possible through intelligence-led policing, resilience of operatives and support from residents.
The Police Commissioner disclosed that operatives on May 10, 2026 rescued four kidnapped victims, including the Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor, three days after they were abducted.
He said the rescue followed a fierce gun duel between police operatives and the kidnappers at their hideout in Obosi.
According to him, two armed suspects were neutralized during the operation, while operatives recovered one locally made pistol, 100 rounds of live GPMG ammunition, 23 expended ammunition and three vehicles, including a silver Lexus RX 350 belonging to one of the rescued victims.
Orutugu, however, regretted that one police officer lost his life during the exchange of gunfire, while two others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
He commended the Anambra State Government for promising to support the family of the fallen officer and assist with medical expenses of the injured personnel.
The CP further revealed that operatives cordoned off the building where the victims were rescued following attempts by angry residents to burn it down.
In another operation carried out on May 7, 2026 at Owerre-Ezukala in Orumba South Local Government Area, police operatives recovered heavy weapons and explosives from a criminal camp previously destroyed by a joint security team.
He said the operation followed intelligence reports that some fleeing members of the proscribed secessionist group were planning to regroup.
Items recovered include one General Purpose Machine Gun with about 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 locally made Improvised Explosive Devices, one locally made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades, 10 rounds of K2 live ammunition, one gas cylinder and one black Ecolac box.
The Commissioner added that one Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, aged 37, alleged to be a top commander of the group, is already in police custody.
In a related development, operatives acting on information provided by an arrested suspect, Favour Izunna, also known as Njoku, allegedly a member of the Vikings Confraternity, recovered one pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, one locally made Beretta pistol and five rounds of 7.5mm live ammunition.
The suspect allegedly confessed to participating in several killings in Obosi and surrounding communities, including those of Emeka Chukwuka and Chinelo Onyeka.
The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members and dismantle the criminal network.
On crimes involving children and vulnerable persons, the Police Command disclosed that five suspects had been remanded at a correctional centre in Awka over cases of sexual offences and child abuse.
Among them is a father accused of having unlawful sexual relations with his biological daughter in Oko.
The command assured residents that all cases involving sexual abuse and violence against children would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, police operatives also arrested a female suspect identified as Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu over alleged child trafficking activities in Aguata Local Government Area.
The operation led to the rescue of 12 children, comprising seven girls and five boys aged between one and 20 years, believed to be victims of child stealing and trafficking.
Police said the children had been placed under protective care while investigations continue to uncover other members of the trafficking network.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to sustaining security operations across the state, Orutugu urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
He also appreciated the support of the Nigeria Police Force leadership, the Anambra State Government, sister security agencies, community leaders and residents in the fight against crime.
