Odita Sunday 
Anambra Police Kill Kidnappers, Recover Rocket Launchers, Rescue 12 Trafficked Children
By Odita Sunday
The Anambra State Police Command has intensified its offensive against kidnapping, cultism, armed violence and human trafficking, recording major operational breakthroughs across several parts of the state.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, said the achievements were made possible through intelligence-led policing, operational resilience and actionable information provided by residents of the state.
In one of the major breakthroughs, the CP disclosed that operatives of the command on May 10, 2026 rescued four kidnapped victims, including the Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor, three days after they were abducted by armed criminals.
According to him, the victims were rescued following a fierce gun battle between police operatives and members of the kidnapping gang at their hideout in Obosi.
During the operation, two armed suspects were neutralised while operatives recovered one locally made pistol, 100 live General Purpose Machine Gun ammunition, 23 expended ammunition and three vehicles, including a silver Lexus RX 350 belonging to one of the rescued victims.
The police commissioner, however, disclosed that the command lost one officer during the operation while two others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
“The officer paid the supreme sacrifice in active service to the nation. The Command honours his courage, gallantry, and dedication to duty,” Orutugu stated.
He also appreciated the Anambra State Government for pledging support for the family of the deceased officer and covering the medical expenses of the injured officers.
The CP further disclosed that police operatives had cordoned off the building where the victims were rescued following attempts by angry residents to burn down the property.
In another major operation, Orutugu said operatives carried out strategic clearance raids on criminal hideouts in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area on May 7.
He recalled that the area had earlier been raided by a Joint Security Team following intelligence reports that escaped members of a proscribed secessionist group were attempting to regroup.
The operation led to the recovery of one General Purpose Machine Gun with about 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 improvised explosive devices, one locally made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades, 10 rounds of K2 ammunition, a gas cylinder and a black Ecolac box.
According to the CP, one suspected commander of the proscribed group identified as Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, aged 37, is already in police custody.
The commissioner added that operatives also dislodged the criminal elements from the area to prevent regrouping.
On cult-related violence, the CP revealed that the arrest of one Favour Izunna, alias Njoku, aged 22 and allegedly linked to the Vikings Confraternity, led to the recovery of a pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, one locally made Beretta pistol and five rounds of 7.5mm live ammunition.
The suspect allegedly confessed to participating in several killings in Obosi and surrounding communities, including the murders of Emeka Chukwuka and Chinelo Onyeka.
Orutugu said efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members linked to the cult network.
The police commissioner also disclosed that five suspects had been remanded at a correctional centre in Awka over various cases involving sexual offences and child abuse.
Among them, he said, was a father accused of engaging in unlawful sexual relations with his biological daughter in Oko.
“The Command views crimes against children and vulnerable persons as grave violations and assures the public that all cases involving sexual abuse, violence against children, and related offences will be thoroughly investigated and diligently prosecuted,” he stated.
In another development, the command arrested a female suspect identified as Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu over alleged child trafficking activities in Aguata Local Government Area.
The operation led to the rescue of 12 children aged between one and 20 years, including seven girls and five boys believed to be victims of child trafficking and child stealing.
The children, according to the CP, have been placed under protective care while investigations continue to uncover the wider trafficking network and possible collaborators.
Orutugu reaffirmed the commitment of the command to sustaining ongoing offensives against all forms of criminality and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
He also appreciated the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Anambra State Government, sister security agencies and community leaders in the fight against crime.
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