Police, vigilantes neutralize kidnappers, rescue victim in Anambra
The Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with state vigilantes, successfully neutralized two suspected kidnappers during an operation in the Ichida Community of Anaocha area, Anambra.
The newly-appointed Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aderemi Adeoye, disclosed this at a news conference held in Awka on Wednesday.
According to Commissioner Adeoye, “Two members of the notorious gang were neutralized, and we recovered one AK47 rifle, two pump-action guns, two AK47 magazines, 32 live ammunition, and one Highlander jeep belonging to the victim.”
The operation, which took place on Tuesday at 8:13 p.m., resulted in the safe rescue of a female victim. Adeoye emphasized that the victim was unharmed during the attack.
“Preliminary information reveals the deadly gang of eight, operating with two vehicles – a grey Highlander jeep and a white Lexus 350, abducted the victim in her Ash Highlander jeep,” he said.
Adeoye further stated, “Investigation is ongoing to track the remaining gang members.”
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In a separate incident on the same day at 8:30 p.m., there was an attack on joint security operatives attached to the Forward Operating Base while patrolling the Uga-Ezinifite Expressway in Aguata Local Government Area.
Describing the incident, the Commissioner explained, “In an attempt to stop an ash Highlander jeep and a white Lexus 305, which drove suspiciously, the occupants started shooting sporadically to escape police screening.”
He added, “The joint forces engaged the armed hoodlums and recovered one operational vehicle, two automatic pump-action guns, 11 live cartridges, and a bag containing one walkie-talkie. A cell phone and other incriminating items were also recovered, while others escaped the scene with other vehicles.”
Adeoye noted that during an intense chase by the joint forces, the deadly gang abandoned the white Lexus 305 jeep and fled.
He revealed, “Further information shows evidence of blood stains on all the vehicles as they have escaped with bullet wounds.”
Calling for public cooperation, Adeoye urged “operators of public and private hospitals to admit but report anyone with a bullet wound or related injuries to the nearest Police station.”
He also appealed to the media and the public to support the police’s efforts by providing quality information that could aid in identifying the culprits and their locations.
NAN