The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers linked to separate cases of kidnapping and armed robbery, while also disrupting an alleged kidnap attempt in Ogbaru Local Government Area during coordinated security operations across the state.
Police said the operations led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, ammunition, a stolen vehicle, illicit substances and other items believed to be connected to criminal activities.
The development was announced on Sunday in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who said the successes formed part of the command’s ongoing security review and intensified crackdown on violent crimes.
According to Ikenga, the operations, carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, alongside detectives from the Ogbaru Divisional Police Headquarters, also targeted offences including cultism, homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, sexual offences and drug-related crimes. He added that one suspected kidnapper was neutralised during the broader security efforts.
The statement read, “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 July 15, 2026, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, 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 in Okpanam, Asaba, Delta State, who was abducted, robbed and forced to pay a ransom before regaining his freedom.
“During a search of 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.”
The police said a second operation on the evening of July 16 prevented another suspected kidnap attempt in Ogbaru.
Acting on intelligence, operatives arrested three men believed to be members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered a black Toyota Camry with tinted windows bearing Lagos registration number LND 789HR, which investigators suspect was used for the gang’s operations.
The suspects were identified as Chekwube Chukwu, 32; Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34; and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30.
“The team arrested three male suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered a black Toyota Camry with tinted windows and Lagos registration number LND 789HR, believed to have been used by the gang for its operations.
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“The suspects are Chekwube Chukwu, 32; Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34; and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to abduct a female POS operator at Iyiowa, Odekpe, Atani, on the morning of July 16, 2026.
The victim raised the alarm, which attracted the attention of residents and prompted a swift police response following a distress call.
The timely intervention frustrated the kidnap attempt, leading to the rescue of the victim and the 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 June 3, 2026, during which she was abducted, dispossessed of two POS machines and Android phones, and compelled to pay a ransom of ₦3.5 million before she was released.
“During 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,” the statement added.
Ikenga said the latest operations demonstrate the command’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen security across Anambra State.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue providing the police with prompt and credible information to support ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety.