ANAMBRA POLICE WEEKLY SECURITY REVIEW RECORDS OPERATIONAL BREAKTHROUGH WITH THE ARREST OF FOUR SUSPECTS OVER ALLEGED KIDNAPPING: RECOVERS LOCALLY FABRICATED PISTOL, AMMUNITION AND OTHER INCRIMINATING ITEMS. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE

 ANAMBRA POLICE COMMAND WEEKLY SECURITY REVIEW RECORDS OPERATIONAL BREAKTHROUGH WITH THE ARREST OF FOUR SUSPECTS OVER ALLEGED KIDNAPPING: RECOVERS LOCALLY FABRICATED PISTOL, AMMUNITION AND OTHER INCRIMINATING ITEMS

As part of the ongoing security review and sustained offensive against violent crimes in Anambra State, the Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant operational breakthroughs with the arrest of four suspected kidnappers involved in separate kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across the State.

In the afternoon of 15th July 2026, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, arrested one Okoye Ibegbunam Chukwuebuka John Bosco, alias “Bone,” aged 32. The arrest was in continuation of the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of a victim at Okpanam, Asaba, Delta State, who was abducted, robbed, and forced to pay a ransom before regaining his freedom.

During a search on the suspect, the operatives recovered one locally fabricated pistol, two live rounds of ammunition, one axe, and one Itel Android phone bearing the victim’s photograph as its screensaver. The suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in the crime and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang currently at large.

In a related development, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, in collaboration with detectives from the Ogbaru Divisional Police Headquarters,  foiled a suspected kidnap plot at Ogbaru, in the evening of 16th July 2026. The team arrested three male suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate, and recovered a black Toyota Camry with tinted glasses and Lagos Reg.number LND 789HR, believed to have been used by the gang for its operations.

The suspects are: Chekwube Chukwu, 32 years; Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34 years; and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30 years respectively.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were intercepted while actively attempting to abduct a female POS operator at Iyiowa, Odekpe, Atani, in the morning of 16th July 2026. The victim raised an alarm, which attracted the attention of residents and prompted a swift response by the Police following a distress call. The timely intervention frustrated the kidnap attempt, leading to the rescue of the victim and subsequent arrest of the suspects.

Further investigation linked the suspects to the earlier kidnapping of another female POS operator, at Dominion Park, Head Bridge, Onitsha, on 3rd June 2026, during which she was abducted, dispossessed of two POS machines and Android phones, and compelled to pay a ransom of three million five hundred thousand Naira (N3,500,000) only before she was released.

During the interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crimes. They are currently providing useful information to assist the Police in identifying and arresting their criminal receivers and other members of the syndicate operating within the State. 

These operations underscore the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and improving public safety. The Command further urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to enhance security across the State.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga

Police Public Relations Officer

Anambra State Police Command

Awka

19th July 2026