Police Nab Two Suspected Kidnappers in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command announced the detention of two individuals suspected of being kidnappers and members of an armed robbery ring that was active in the Uga, Ekwulobia, Umuchu, Nkpologu, Ezinifite, and Aguata communities.

These individuals were reportedly affiliated with a notorious secessionist faction known for engaging in kidnapping, vehicle theft, and armed robbery in the state’s more isolated areas.

This information was revealed in a press release issued by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the state police spokesperson, on Thursday.

Ikenga noted that the arrests were made by a coordinated effort involving military personnel, civil defense, and other security forces.

He mentioned that the suspects were apprehended on Thursday as a result of a continuation of the investigation into a kidnapping case in the Aguata community that was reported to the police in 2023.

He said among the two suspects (names withheld), one has bullet wounds on his leg while the other is a “fake pastor” preparing criminal charms for the gang members.

He said, “In a follow-up of an investigation of a kidnap incident in Aguata reported to the police sometime last year, joint security operatives working on credible information, in mid-day of today 22/8/2024 comprising of military, civil defence and other security forces arrested two notorious secessionist group members involved in kidnapping, car snatching, and armed robbery operating at uga, Ekwulobia, Umuchu, Nkpologu, Ezinifite, Aguata environs

“Among the two suspects (names withheld), one has bullet wounds on his leg, while the other, a fake pastor preparing criminal charms for the gang members has confessed to the crime and is already assisting the Police in apprehending other gang members.

“The suspects have also provided information on the location of the shrine where they prepare the charms and some snatched vehicles.”

He mentioned that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, has promised the state’s residents that the command is diligently addressing all reported issues, particularly those involving kidnapping, armed robbery, and other crimes, emphasizing that the trust placed in them to safeguard lives and property is highly valued.