By Izunna Okafor, Awka
A joint security team in Anambra State has successfully rescued three kidnap victims in a well-coordinated operation along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, Ozubulu. The victims, who were abducted earlier at Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area, were freed at approximately 7:20 am on March 22, 2025. Following their rescue, the victims, who had sustained various degrees of injury inflicted by their captors, were immediately rushed to a hospital for urgent medical attention. They are currently receiving treatment and will subsequently be debriefed by the police as part of the ongoing investigation.
Disclosing this in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the swift response was made possible through a heightened security alert across various checkpoints in the state after the abduction was reported.
He explained that security agencies were mobilized to track the movement of the criminals and ensure the safe recovery of the victims. The success of the operation reflects the efficiency of the security architecture in Anambra and the growing synergy among law enforcement agencies in tackling crime.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has commended the operatives involved in the rescue mission and charged them to intensify efforts toward apprehending the perpetrators. He assured residents of the state of the police command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, vowing to sustain the crackdown on criminal elements and deny them any opportunity to operate within the state.
He said as part of the continued efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities, the police command has reinforced security surveillance and intelligence gathering across strategic locations. He further encouraged Ndị Anambra to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements to security agencies to facilitate swift interventions.
He also reiterated the Anambra State Police Command’s resolve to rid the state of crime and also urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement authorities in their collective quest for a safer and more secure environment.
