By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a series of major breakthroughs in its ongoing offensive against criminality in the state, including the killing of two suspected kidnappers, rescue of kidnapped victims, busting of a child trafficking syndicate, arrest of cult-related suspects, and recovery of sophisticated arms and ammunition.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Command’s Headquarters in Awka, where he highlighted some of the recent operational successes recorded by the Command in its intensified war against kidnapping, cultism, armed violence, child trafficking, sexual offences, and other criminal activities across the state.
Addressing journalists during the briefing, the Police Commissioner attributed the successes to intelligence-led policing, resilience of officers, and useful information provided by residents and Ndi Anambra.
According to him, one of the most significant breakthroughs was the successful rescue of four kidnapped victims, including the Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor, and others, who were rescued three days after they were abducted.
He explained that the victims were rescued on May 10, 2026, following a fierce gun duel between Police operatives and members of the kidnapping gang at their hideout in Obosi.
The Police Commissioner revealed that two armed members of the gang were neutralized during the operation, while the operatives also recovered one locally-made pistol, one hundred rounds of live General Purpose Machine Gun ammunition, twenty-three expended ammunition, and three vehicles, including a Lexus RX 350 belonging to one of the rescued victims.
According to him, the other recovered vehicles were allegedly stolen and being used by the gang for their criminal operations.
CP Orutugu, however, disclosed that the operation recorded a painful loss, as one Police officer died from injuries sustained during the exchange of gunfire. He described the late officer as gallant and courageous, noting that he paid the supreme sacrifice in active service to the nation.
The Police Commissioner also appreciated the Anambra State Government for promising to support the family of the deceased officer and cater for the medical expenses of two other injured officers currently receiving treatment.
He further revealed that the building where the kidnapped victims were rescued had been cordoned off by security operatives following attempts by angry residents to set it ablaze.
Speaking further, the Police Commissioner also highlighted another major operation carried out in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area, where he said the operatives raided a criminal camp linked to armed secessionist elements.
According to him, the operation followed intelligence gathered from one Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, said to be one of the top commanders of the proscribed group, who is currently in Police custody.
He disclosed that the operation led to the recovery of a General Purpose Machine Gun with about 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, ten Improvised Explosive Devices, one locally-made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades, ten rounds of K2 live ammunition, one gas cylinder, and one black Ecolac box.
The Police boss added that the operatives also dislodged the armed criminals from the area and sustained operational dominance to prevent any regrouping by the fleeing gang members.
In another breakthrough, CP Orutugu said operatives acting on information obtained from one Favour Izunna, also known as Njoku, a suspected member of the Vikings Confraternity, recovered one pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, one locally-made Beretta pistol, and five rounds of 7.5mm live ammunition.
He disclosed that the suspect confessed to being one of the executioners of the dreaded cult group and admitted involvement in several killings in Obosi and surrounding areas, including the murders of Emeka Chukwuka and Chinelo Onyeka, among others.
The Police Commissioner said efforts were already ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and dismantle the wider criminal network linked to the suspect.
On crimes involving children and vulnerable persons, CP Orutugu disclosed that the Command had secured the remand of five suspects over various cases of sexual offences and child abuse in Awka and its environs.
He said one of the suspects was a father accused of having unlawful sexual relations with his biological daughter in Oko.
The Commissioner emphasized that crimes against children and vulnerable persons remained a grave concern to the Command and assured that all cases involving sexual abuse and violence against children would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
The Police boss also announced the arrest of one Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu over alleged child trafficking activities in Aguata Local Government Area.
According to him, the operation led to the rescue of twelve children, comprising seven girls and five boys aged between one and tweq you
nty years, believed to be victims of child stealing and trafficking.
He said the rescued children had been placed under protective care, while investigations continued to uncover the full network behind the trafficking operation and identify possible collaborators.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to security, CP Orutugu assured that the Police would sustain ongoing offensives against all forms of criminality across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
The Commissioner also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, the Anambra State Government, sister security agencies, community leaders, and residents of the state for their continued support and cooperation in the fight against crime.
