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 a vehicle allegedly used in kidnapping operations.
The command said one of the suspects, identified as Okoye Ibegbunam Chukwuebuka John, also known as “Bone,” was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu on July 15.
Police said the arrest followed an investigation into the kidnapping of a victim in Okpanam, Delta State, who was abducted, robbed and forced to pay a ransom before regaining freedom.
Items recovered from the suspect include a locally made pistol, two rounds of live ammunition, an axe and an Itel Android phone bearing the victim’s photograph as its screensaver.
Investigators said the suspect confessed to the crime, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.
In a separate operation on July 16, RRS operatives, working with detectives from the Ogbaru Divisional Police Headquarters, arrested three other suspects over an alleged attempt to kidnap a female POS operator in Iyiowa, Odekpe, Atani.
The suspects, identified as Chekwube Chukwu, 32, Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34, and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30, were intercepted after the victim raised an alarm, prompting residents to alert the police.
Officers rescued the woman and recovered a black Toyota Camry with Lagos registration number LND 789HR, believed to have been used by the syndicate.
According to the police, preliminary findings linked the trio to the June 3 abduction of another female POS operator at Dominion Park, Head Bridge, Onitsha.
The victim was reportedly dispossessed of two POS machines and Android phones before paying a N3.5m ransom to secure her release.
Police said the suspects admitted their involvement during interrogation and are assisting investigators in tracking down other members of the gang and suspected receivers of stolen property.
The command said investigations are ongoing and urged residents to continue providing timely information to support efforts to tackle crime across the state.
(The Whistler)