By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers in separate operations across the state, recovering a locally fabricated pistol, live ammunition, an axe and other items allegedly linked to kidnapping and armed robbery activities.
The arrests, according to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, were part of the Command’s ongoing security operations and sustained offensive against violent crimes and criminal networks in Anambra.
In a statement issued over the weekend, SP Ikenga said Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, on Wednesday, July 15, arrested one Okoye Ibegbunam Chukwuebuka JohnBosco, aged 32, popularly known as “Bone”.
The suspect, he revealed, was arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into the alleged kidnapping of a victim at Okpanam, Asaba in Delta State, where the victim was reportedly abducted, robbed and forced to pay ransom before regaining his freedom.
The Police spokesman said that during a search conducted on the suspect, the operatives recovered one locally fabricated pistol, two live rounds of ammunition, one axe and an Itel Android phone which allegedly had the photograph of the victim displayed as its screensaver.
According to SP Ikenga, the suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in the crime, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who are still at large.
The PPRO said in a related development, the operatives of the RRS, Awkuzu, working in collaboration with detectives from the Ogbaru Divisional Police Headquarters, foiled another suspected kidnapping operation in Ogbaru on Thursday, July 16.
He said three suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate were arrested during the operation, while a black Toyota Camry with tinted glasses and Lagos registration number LND 789HR, allegedly used by the suspects, was recovered.
He further identified the suspects as Chekwube Chukwu (aged 32), Amarachukwu Nwobosi (aged 34), and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor (aged 30).
According to the PPRO, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to abduct a female Point-of-Sale (POS) operator at Iyiowa, Odekpe, Atani, on the morning of July 16.
He explained that the intended victim raised an alarm, attracting the attention of residents, who subsequently alerted the Police through a distress call. The swift intervention of the Police reportedly frustrated the operation, leading to the rescue of the woman and arrest of the three suspects.
The Police spokesman further disclosed that ongoing investigations had linked the suspects to the alleged kidnapping of another female POS operator at Dominion Park, Head Bridge, Onitsha, on June 3, 2026.
According to him, the victim was allegedly abducted and dispossessed of two POS machines and Android phones before being forced to pay a ransom of ₦3.5 million for her release.
The three suspects, he added, allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crimes during interrogation and were providing useful information to investigators to assist in identifying and apprehending other members of the syndicate as well as their alleged criminal receivers.
The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and strengthening public safety across the state, while also urging residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide the Police with timely and credible information capable of aiding the prevention and detection of criminal activities.
