The Anambra State Police Command, in a successful operation, rescued two individuals kidnapped in Amorka Village, Uli, within the Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were abducted on Sunday around 2 p.m. when armed assailants intercepted their vehicle along the busy Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, forcibly transferring them into another car before fleeing the scene.
Superintendent of Police, Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed the rescue in a statement released on Saturday.
He detailed that the victims were recovered thanks to the efforts of a joint security team comprising police operatives from the Uli Divisional Headquarters and members of the Uli Vigilante group.
Ikenga reported that during the operation, law enforcement recovered a significant cache of weapons, including seven pump-action guns, seven live cartridges, three handcuffs, a cutlass, an axe, a dagger, and other incriminating items.
“The Anambra State Police Command, while extending Easter greetings to Anambra citizens, has intensified security patrols to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors during the holiday and beyond
“During one such patrol, we successfully rescued two kidnapped victims, arrested a notorious cultist and kidnapper, and captured several weapons.
“The timeline of events highlights a proactive response to crime in the region. Following an intensive search operation on April 18, 2025, the security team secured the release of the two victims in Ihiala. The criminals had abandoned the victims’ vehicle at the scene, which has since been recovered by the police for safekeeping.
“In a separate incident on April 17, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., officers from the Fegge Divisional Headquarters intercepted a suspiciously parked bus on Port Harcourt Road, Upper Iweka, Onitsha. A subsequent search revealed a concealed bag of rice containing five pump-action guns, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs. The arms and the vehicle were seized, with investigations ongoing to identify the perpetrators.
“Moreover, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad/Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Israel Akachukwu, on April 17, 2025, at around 1:27 p.m. in his residence on Ezeigwe Street, Nkpor, Idemili North LGA. During the arrest, officers discovered two pump-action guns, two live cartridges, a cutlass, a yellow axe, and a dagger. Akachukwu reportedly confessed to membership in the Vikings Confraternity and is cooperating with authorities to apprehend other members of his gang.”
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has urged citizens to remain law-abiding and vigilant.
He emphasised the importance of community preparedness and encouraged residents to uphold the spirit of humility and selflessness exemplified by Christ during the Easter season.
The Commissioner also called upon the people of Anambra to pray for peace and security within the state and Nigeria.
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