The Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant security achievements in the past two weeks, rescuing four kidnapped victims, arresting 10 suspects, and recovering various arms, ammunition, and stolen vehicles.
State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Awka on Friday. He stated that the command recovered 10 assorted firearms, 16 expended cartridges, 46 live ammunition, four vehicles, and other incriminating items. Three of the recovered vehicles have been returned to their owners.
Among the rescued victims was Rev. Father Stephen Echezona, who was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida on March 23. The police, in collaboration with the military and other operatives, freed him during a gunfight with the kidnappers, who were using an unregistered white Lexus SUV.
Similarly, on March 22, police operatives rescued three kidnapped victims along the Onitsha-Owerri Express Road in Ozubulu. The victims, who sustained injuries inflicted by their abductors, were taken to a hospital and are responding to treatment.
The command also made multiple arrests, including the apprehension of suspected cultists and robbers. One Kosiso Okonkwo was arrested with a Beretta pistol, confessing to being a member of the Aye Confraternity. In another operation, two suspects, Chibuike Ozoekwem and Favour Patrick, were arrested in an uncompleted building in Awka. Police recovered a pump-action gun, a battle axe, and stolen phones. One of the victims identified her stolen phone and confirmed she was robbed at gunpoint on March 13.
In other security operations, police arrested suspects carrying illegal firearms in Awka, including one Somtochukwu Okoye, who was found with a locally made Beretta pistol. He confessed to being a member of the Junior Viking cult. Another suspect, Richard Onwugbufo, was caught with a Beretta pistol and three live rounds of ammunition.
CP Orutugu assured that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. He also urged Muslims in the state to celebrate Sallah peacefully, reaffirming the police’s commitment to working with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to maintain safety and order.
