The Anambra State Police Command has rescued two individuals from a kidnapping ordeal, arrested three suspects, and seized 14 pump-action rifles during a series of operations across the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday from Awka, Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga revealed that the command had ramped up its security efforts to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors throughout the Easter period.
Ikenga confirmed that as part of the security measures, the police had increased patrols to maintain law and order across the state during the holidays.
In one operation, officers successfully rescued two victims who had been kidnapped, arrested a well-known cultist, and seized seven pump-action rifles.
They also recovered seven live cartridges, three handcuffs, a cutlass, an axe, a dagger, and other items.
On April 18, a joint effort by the Uli Police Division and Uli Vigilantes led to the rescue of the two victims in Ihiala. The victims were initially abducted on April 13 in Amorka Village, located near the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.
The kidnappers had transferred the victims to another vehicle and abandoned the original vehicle, which was later recovered by the police.
Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects in the case, Ikenga confirmed.
In a separate operation, officers from the Fegge Division in Onitsha intercepted a parked bus along Port Harcourt Road, Upper Iweka.
During a search, police uncovered five pump-action rifles, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs concealed inside a bag of rice.
Investigations are underway to determine the identity of the individuals responsible for this illegal arms stash.
Additionally, on April 17, the Rapid Response Squad arrested a 25-year-old suspect based on credible intelligence.
During the arrest on Ezeigwe Street in Nkpor, officers recovered two pump-action rifles, two cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, and a dagger.
The suspect confessed to being a member of the Viking’s Confraternity and assisted the police in identifying other members of the group.
Anambra’s Police Commissioner, Ikioye Orutugu, called on residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding, especially during the Easter period.
He encouraged people to reflect on the virtues of humility and selflessness shown by Christ and to use the Easter season as a time to pray for peace and security in the state and across Nigeria.
