By Chizoba Njaka
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has announced significant progress in ongoing operations against kidnapping, cultism, child trafficking, and other violent crimes across the state.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing in Awka, CP Ikioye stated that operatives of the Command had successfully rescued four kidnapped victims and recovered arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts in separate operations.
He disclosed that on Monday, May 10, 2026, police operatives raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Obosi, where four abducted persons, including the Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor, were rescued following an exchange of gunfire. Two armed suspects were neutralized during the operation. Recovered items included a locally fabricated pistol, 100 rounds of general purpose machine gun ammunition, 23 expended rounds, and three vehicles, one of which was a silver Lexus RX 350 belonging to one of the victims.
CP Orutugu noted that one police officer died and two others sustained injuries during the operation. He commended the Anambra State Government for its support to the family of the deceased officer and for assisting with the medical care of the injured personnel. He added that the rescue site was later secured after some residents attempted to set the building on fire.
The Commissioner further disclosed that on May 7, 2026, operatives carried out a clearance operation in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area, dislodging armed criminals from a suspected secessionist camp. Items recovered included a general purpose machine gun with 2,000 rounds of ammunition, two locally fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 improvised explosive devices, a Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three grenades, 10 rounds of K2 ammunition, a gas cylinder, and a black Ecolac box. A 37-year-old suspect, Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, identified as a senior commander of a proscribed secessionist group, was arrested and remains in custody.
In a separate operation, police apprehended 22-year-old Favour Izunna, alias “Njoku,” alleged to be a member of the Vikings Confraternity. The suspect reportedly led officers to a weapons cache containing a pump-action gun, seven cartridges, a Beretta pistol, and five rounds of 7.5mm ammunition. He is said to have confessed to involvement in several killings in Obosi, including those of Emeka Chukwuka and Chinelo Onyeka. Efforts to arrest other gang members are ongoing.
The Command also reported that five suspects have been remanded for alleged sexual offences and child abuse in Awka, including a case involving a father accused of abusing his daughter in Oko. In Aguata Local Government Area, Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu was arrested for alleged involvement in child trafficking. The operation led to the rescue of 12 children aged between one and 20 years, comprising seven girls and five boys, who are currently receiving protective care.
CP Orutugu attributed the successes to intelligence-led policing, the resilience of officers, and credible information provided by members of the public. He assured residents that the Command would sustain its operations against criminal elements in the state.
“Anambra will remain hostile to criminals”, while urging residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies.
Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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