Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Police in Anambra State have rescued two kidnap victims and apprehended a notorious cultist during a patrol operation in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
The operatives also recovered several arms and items, including seven pump-action guns, live cartridges, handcuffs, a cutlass, an axe, and a dagger during the said operation.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operations were part of intensified security patrols aimed at ensuring residents’ and visitors’ safety during the Easter holidays.
Ikenga said: “The Anambra State Police Command, today, 19th April 2025, while felicitating with Ndi Anambra on the Celebrations of Easter, intensified Security patrols aimed at ensuring that residents/visitors feel safe and to nip to the bud any untoward situation during the Easter holidays and beyond.
“During one of such patrols, the Police rescued two kidnap victims, arrested a notorious cultist/kidnapper, and recovered seven pump-action guns, seven live cartridges, three handcuffs, one cutlass, one axe, one dagger and other incriminating items.
Speaking further, Ikenga said: “In the early hours of 18th April 2025, following an intense search operation, the Joint Security Team comprising the Police Operatives from Uli Police Divisional headquarters and Uli Vigilantes secured the safe return of two kidnapped victims in Ihiala.
“The armed men on Sunday, 13th April 2025 at 2pm at Amorka Village, Uli, along Onitsha Owerri Expressway double- crossed the victim’s vehicle, forced the occupants into another vehicle and zoomed off with them. The armed criminals abandoned the victim’s vehicle at the scene.”
He said the responding Police team has since recovered the abandoned vehicle to the Police Station for safekeeping, noting that the operation is still ongoing to arrest other suspects.
Ikenga said in another operation, police officers attached to Fegge Divisional Headquarters intercepted a bus with concealed arms, including five pump-action guns and live cartridges, along Port Harcourt Road, Onitsha.
He said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad Anti-kidnapping Unit, arrested Israel Akachukwu, a 25-year-old suspect, and recovered arms, including pump-action guns and a cutlass, from his apartment in Nkpor. He said the suspect has confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and is cooperating with the police to arrest other gang members.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has encouraged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and security-conscious. He also urged the people to emulate Christ’s humility and selfless lifestyle, praying for the state’s and nation’s peace and security during the Easter festivities.
