The Anambra Police Command’s special squad team successfully rescued a kidnapped Catholic priest and three other hostages.
DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, Anambra Police Public Relations Officer, made the announcement in a statement signed and made available to media in Awka on Saturday.
According to Ikenga, the rescue was launched by its Forward Operating Base (FOB), which includes military and paramilitary services stationed in Aguata and is assisted by the Police Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu.
He stated that the squad assaulted the terrorists’ camp in Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area and rescued the victims in a well-coordinated operation.
According to the statement, three suspects were apprehended during the operation, and nine cars and three Pump Action pistols, as well as stolen camouflage clothing and a Biafra flag, were confiscated.
Ikenga also stated that multiple phones, flash drives, and SIM cards were discovered, which could aid in the comprehensive investigation and prosecution of the criminals.
He said that the gang was responsible for a recent rash of abductions in Orumba North and South, as well as areas of Aguata council area.
He claimed that the abducted victims were all kidnapped in October and that the raid on the rebels’ camp was the result of months of meticulous intelligence collection and investigation that led to the discovery of the criminals’ hideout.
The PPRO further stated that the operation was ordered and supervised by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Aderemi Adeoye, who complimented all service personnel and vigilante men participating for their professionalism in ensuring no lives were lost.
The release highlighted Prof. Charles Soludo, Anambra Governor, commending the operatives and promising to continue to support all services involved in joint security operations across the state.
