By Prisca Nguzo
A 26-year-old lady kidnapped last Sunday from her residence in Obinze, Owerri West Council of Imo State has been rescued by the Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Police Command.
The kidnapped victim (name withheld) was rescued following the raiding of the notorious Avu forest by the Command's Operatives wherein five suspects were arrested.
The suspects are Umaru Usman, 40, from Mauree in Sokoto; Tukur Yau, 25, from Dawakinkudur in Kano State; Musbau Sabo, 18, from Warsaw LGA in Kano State; Abdul Ibrahim, 30, from Sokoto State; and Jubrin Idris, 35, from Sokoto State.
Parading the suspects, at the Command's headquarters, Owerri on Thursday, the Command's spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye said the achievement resulted from the proctiveness of the Police Commissioner, CP Aboki Danjuma backed by an intelligence-led operations and thorough investigations by the operatives.
Okoye disclosed that one locally made shotgun, one pump-action gun, two live cartridges, and seven additional live rounds of ammunition were recovered by the operatives from the operation.
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Addressing the newsmen, Okoye said, "in response to a reported kidnapping of a 26-year-old woman from her residence in Obinze, Owerri West LGA on August 18, 2024, the Commissioner of Police promptly deployed the Command’s anti-kidnapping unit with all available operational resources and intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safe rescue of the victim.
"Following the CP’s directives and the collection of actionable intelligence, the operatives targeted a forest hideout in Avu, where the suspects were located.
"During the operation, the team successfully rescued the victim unharmed and arrested five individuals.
"The suspects were found in possession of one pump-action gun, five cartridges, two daggers, a cutlass, and various criminal charms.
"Interrogation revealed that the suspects were members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorizing residents in Obinze, Avu, and surrounding areas.
"Ongoing investigations aim to apprehend the remaining members of the gang and ensure they face the full extent of the law."
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In a related development, a notorious armed robbery suspect was also arrested and arms and ammunition recovered from him.
Giving the details of the arrest, Okoye disclosed that "on August 21, 2024, at approximately 4:00 PM, operatives from the Command Anti-Kidnapping Unit, during a routine patrol in Owerri Municipal, apprehended Nwauba Alex, a 25-year-old male from Ezza LGA, Ebonyi State.
"The suspect was caught in the act of robbing two residents at gunpoint near Aladinma Primary School, Owerri.
"During the arrest, one locally made pistol, two rounds of live ammunition, and torchlights were recovered from the suspect and the victims were rescued unharmed.
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"Upon interrogation, the suspect admitted to the robbery and revealed that he purchased the shotgun from an individual in Ezza, Ebonyi State.
"Efforts are underway to locate and arrest the gun manufacturers, who will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The suspect will be charged in court once the investigation is complete.
"This operational breakthrough underscores the Command's unwavering commitment under to combat crime and ensure public safety in the state."
"While commending the operatives for their professionalism in achieving the operational feat, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, urged them not to relent in ensuring that crimes are reduced to its bearest minimum in the State." Okoye added.
Pictures from the parade
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