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The Anambra State Police Command said it has foiled a kidnap attempt by a kidnapping gang suspected to be members of a secessionist group.
In a statement on Saturday, the state police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, said a member of the secessionist group was gunned down while other members escaped with bullet wounds during a gun battle with the police operatives.
Ikenga said a kidnapped victim was rescued and firearms, vehicles and other incriminating items were recovered from the criminals, adding that the incident happened along the Agulu/Nnobi Road, on Friday.
The statement read, “Police operatives from the Operations Department of the Command and attached to a VIP in the state on 29/11/2024 by 8:30pm along Agulu/Nnobi road, demobilised one of the criminal elements in the state and recovered one pump action gun, five live cartridges, five machetes, two SUV jeeps and two pairs of desert shoe.
“The operatives resisted the armed men operating in a grey-coloured Lexus ES 330 with Plate Nos: ACA 551 MA and an ash-coloured Toyota Highlander with plate number: SMK 544, who attacked their convoy unprovoked.
“During the gun duel, the swift response by the Joint Security Team comprising the Police and AVG Operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area, made the armed men abandon their vehicle and fled the scene with bullet wounds, through a nearby bush.
“The operatives have sustained operations in the area aimed at arresting the fleeing members. Members of the public and residents of the area have also been called upon to assist the Command with information in this regard.”
Ikenga also added that in another development, the Joint Security Team comprising Police operatives attached to the Dunukofia Division and vigilante members responded to a distress call along Ukwulu Road, in Dunukofia LGA and rescued the abducted victims and recovered their vehicle.
According to him, preliminary information shows that the armed men abducted the victims on November 27, 2024 by 7 am along Ugwunwasike-Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the State.
“The culprits shot the abductees when they observed that they were being trailed by the security operatives, abandoned them in the vehicle and fled the scene.
“Meanwhile, the Joint Security Team have secured the victims and rushed them to the hospital for medical attention. However, while one of them was responding to treatment, the other was sadly confirmed dead by the doctors on duty. The vehicle has also been recovered.
“To this end, the operatives have intensified operations in the area. Further development shall be communicated, please,” Ikenga added.
