The Police Command in Anambra State has announced that it has successfully rescued a kidnapped Catholic priest and three other hostages unharmed. The rescue operation was carried out by the Command’s special squad team.
DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, provided this information in a statement issued and shared with the press in Awka on Saturday.
Ikenga explained that the rescue operation was carried out by a combined team known as the Forward Operating Base (FOB), which included members from both military and paramilitary services stationed in Aguata. They received support from the Police Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu.
He described the operation as a well-coordinated effort, during which the team raided the insurgents’ camp located at Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area, successfully rescuing the victims.
According to the statement, three individuals suspected to be involved were apprehended in the process. Additionally, they seized nine vehicles, three Pump Action guns, stolen camouflage uniforms, and a Biafra flag.
Ikenga also mentioned that numerous phones, flash drives, and Sim cards were discovered, which could potentially provide valuable evidence for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the offenders.
He mentioned that this gang had been responsible for a series of abductions in Orumba North and South, as well as parts of Aguata council area, in recent times.
He explained that all the victims had been kidnapped in October. The operation to raid the insurgents’ camp followed months of careful intelligence gathering and investigation, which ultimately led to the discovery of the criminals’ hideout.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) also added that the Commissioner of Police for the state, Mr. Aderemi Adeoye, not only ordered but also coordinated the operation. He commended all the service personnel and vigilante members involved for their high level of professionalism, which ensured that no lives were lost.
The statement also highlighted the commendation from Prof. Charles Soludo, the Governor of Anambra, and his commitment to continue supporting all the services involved in joint security operations across the state.