Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit agents have apprehended two suspects and rescued four kidnapped victims from a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping ring operating in the state.
According to a press statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, the operation began on January 4, 2025, when a distress call was received around 12:00 p.m. reporting the abduction of three women and one man in Umuokanne, Ohaji Egbema LGA.
Acting swiftly on intelligence gathered, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit located the criminals’ hideout. Upon arrival, a gunfight ensued between the police operatives and the kidnappers which led to the deaths of two suspects who tried to engage the police in gun duel.
The police official implied that four victims had been rescued from the kidnappers’ hideout.
Carolyn Didia, Ego Odu, Apollonia Ezekwe, and Godwin Ezekwe were the rescued victims.
He claimed that when rescuing the victims, police seized one AK-47 gun, 21 rounds of 7.62mm ammo, and a magazine from the perpetrators.
According to the statement, two of the rescued captives suffered gunshot wounds from the kidnappers’ bullets during the confrontation and were immediately sent to Oforola Health Centre for treatment.
Following the occurrence, the State Police Command informed the public that it is committed to protecting communities.
