By Chizoba Njaka
The Anambra State Police Command has recorded major operational successes in its sustained offensive against violent crime, with the arrest of four suspected kidnappers linked to separate cases of kidnapping and armed robbery across the State.
According to a press statement issued on July 19 by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, arrested a 32-year-old suspect, Okoye Ibegbunam Chukwuebuka John Bosco, popularly known as “Bone,” on the afternoon of July 15. The arrest followed ongoing investigations into the abduction of a victim in Okpanam, Asaba, Delta State, who was reportedly robbed, forced to pay a ransom, and later released.
During the search, police recovered a locally fabricated pistol, two live rounds of ammunition, an axe, and an Itel Android phone displaying the victim’s photograph as its screensaver. The suspect allegedly confessed to participating in the crime, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other members of the criminal gang who remain at large.
In a separate operation, operatives of the RRS Awkuzu, working in collaboration with detectives from the Ogbaru Divisional Police Headquarters, foiled an alleged kidnap attempt in Ogbaru on the evening of July 16.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a black Toyota Camry with tinted windows bearing Lagos registration number LND 789HR, suspected to have been used in the gang’s operations. The suspects were identified as Chekwube Chukwu, 32; Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34; and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30.
Preliminary findings indicated that the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to abduct a female Point of Sale (POS) operator at Iyiowa, Odekpe, Atani, earlier on July 16. The victim raised an alarm, attracting the attention of nearby residents, who immediately alerted the police. The swift response by security operatives foiled the abduction, rescued the victim unharmed, and resulted in the arrest of the suspects.
Further investigations have also linked the suspects to the earlier abduction of another female POS operator at Dominion Park, Head Bridge, Onitsha, on June 3, 2026. In that incident, the victim was allegedly abducted, dispossessed of two POS machines and Android phones, and compelled to pay a ransom of N3.5 million before regaining her freedom.
Police said the suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement and are providing useful information to assist investigators in identifying and apprehending their handlers and other members of the kidnapping syndicate operating within the State.
The police command noted that the successful operations demonstrate its unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and strengthening security across Anambra State. It urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of all citizens.
Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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