BY SUZY CHUKWUECHEDOM / ONITSHA
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In fight against criminal activities in Anambra State, the State Police Command has revealed progress in rescue of four kidnapped victims which included a Chief Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor, three days after abduction.
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Speaking during a press briefing in his office, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu said his command has recalled a significant operational achievements recently in intensified offensive against kidnapping, cultism, armed violence, child trafficking, sexual offences among others .
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Orutugu expressed joy over the major operational breakthrough as his operatives successfully rescued four kidnapped victims which includes the Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor, three days after the victims were abducted, following an intense tactical operation against the armed kidnapping gang on 10th May, 2026.
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He said the rescue followed a fierce gun battle between Police Operatives and the armed criminals in their den at Obosi where the police neutralized two armed suspects and recovered one locally made pistol, one hundred live (100) GPMG ammunition, twenty-three expended ammunition, and three vehicles including one sliver RX 350 Lexus belonging to one of the rescued victims and others allegedly stolen by the gang members for their criminal operational uses.
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He lamented that the Command recorded one fatal injury to a Police personnel during the exchange of gunfire adding the Police officer paid the supreme sacrifice in active service to in the nation.
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The CP commanded the State Government on its promise to take care of the late Officer’s family and hospital expenses of the two other injured officers currently responding to medical treatment.
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The Operatives have also cordoned off the building where the victims were rescued in view of the reaction of the people in the area who attempted to burn it down.
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In a related development, Orutugu narrated that his Command has carried out strategic clearance operations on May 7, 2026 in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area, recalling that the camp was earlier destroyed by a Joint Security Team upon the confession of one Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, male, aged 37 years, allegedly one of the top commanders of the proscribed secessionists group who is in their custody as well as intelligence received overtime points on how some escaped gang members were attempting to regroup.
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He said that the Offensive operation led to the recovery of one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) with about 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, Two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, Ten locally made Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), One locally made Beretta pistol, Two pump-action guns, Three hand grenades, Ten rounds of K2 live ammunition, one gas cylinder and one black Ecolac box, dislodged the armed criminals and sustained operational dominance in the area to prevent any regrouping.
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Also, Orutugu said his operatives acting on credible information of an arrested suspect, one Favour Izunna, a.k.a. Njoku, aged 22 years, allegedly a member of a dreaded cult group known as the Vikings Confraternity, led to the recovery of One pump-action gun, Seven (7) live cartridges, One locally made Beretta pistol and Five (5) rounds of 7.5mm live ammunition.
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”The suspect also confessed to to be one of the executioners of the dreaded cult groups and have led as well as participated in many killings, including victims identified as: Emeka Chukwuka (male) and Chinelo Onyeka (female), among others in Obosi and its environs.
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”Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members and dismantle the criminal network associated with the suspect, he said”.
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However, the CP narrated that in another significant breakthrough, his Command arrested a female suspect Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu over alleged child trafficking activities in Aguata Local Government Area.
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According to him, the Police following it’s operatives successfully rescued twelve children between the ages of 1- 20 years (seven girls and five boys) believed to be the victims of child stealing and trafficking.
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He said that the children have been placed under protective care while investigations continue to uncover the full network and possible collaborators connected to the criminal act.
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”The Command remains committed to protecting children and dismantling all forms of human trafficking and exploitation within the State, he said
