By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of two decomposing female bodies believed to be victims of the recent kidnapping involving three Cameroonian women in the state, following intensified search operations along the Omambala River in Anambra West Local Government Area.
The confirmation was contained in an update issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who stated that the recovery was recorded on the evening of Friday, November 28, 2025, during a coordinated search exercise led by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.
According to him in the update, the recovery exercise was carried out in collaboration with professional river divers and local volunteers as part of sustained investigative efforts into the disappearance of the three foreign nationals who were abducted in the state earlier this month.
The police spokesperson recalled that the investigators and police operatives had earlier arrested two suspects in connection with the crime, identified as Nonso Augustine Akpeh, aged 37, and Kingsley Akpeh, aged 44. Both suspects are currently in police custody and have been providing crucial information to operatives handling the investigation.
SP Ikenga disclosed that following actionable intelligence obtained from the ongoing interrogation, the search team extended operations to strategic sections of the Omambala River, where two female bodies were eventually recovered.
He further explained that the relatives of the kidnapped victims were promptly contacted and invited to assist with the identification process. Upon examination, the recovered bodies were positively identified as that of Mrs. Bognou Alice and her niece, Miss Sandra, two of the three Cameroonian women earlier declared missing.
The police confirmed that the remains of the victims have been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy and other forensic examinations necessary for the advancement of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, was said to have expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family and commiserated with their friends and associates over the tragic development.
According to the police update, the Commissioner has directed that search operations be further intensified to locate the third missing victim, whose whereabouts remain unknown as at the time of filing this report.
He also ordered all investigative and intelligence units involved in the case to scale up operational activities aimed at tracking down and apprehending the fleeing suspect, Uchenna Nicholas Mmadu, earlier named by the arrested suspects as a key accomplice in the crime.
The police leadership further reassured residents of the state that the Command remains fully committed to sustaining the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes and to ensuring that all those involved in the criminal act are brought to justice.
The PPRO reiterated that further updates would be communicated as investigations continue.
