Anambra Police Rescue Two Teenagers, Arrest Four Kidnap Suspects
The Anambra State Police Command has rescued two teenage girls and arrested four suspects in a kidnap syndicate that had been operating from Oba town, Idemili South Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out by men of the Oba Divisional Headquarters, was brought to a conclusion around 11:54 am on November 27, 2024, when ransom payment led police straight to the kidnappers’ den.
The gang was led by 19-year-old Ifechukwu Ibezimako of Oba’s Aboji Village and three other co-conspirators, State Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga reported.
In exchange for ₦200,000 paid by the families of the victims, police raided to free the two girls, aged 15 and 19, and apprehend the suspects.
Early investigations revealed the mastermind and his gang lured their victims with social-media “friendship” schemes, tricking the girls to visit his house before abducting them.
The modus operandi is the same in a similar case involving another female victim who was extorted with a ransom and released months ago.
Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has gone ahead to order the suspects to be taken straight away to the Command’s Anti‑Kidnapping/Robbery Squad for proper interrogation and prosecution. He also cautioned youths in stern words to be careful when interacting with strangers on the internet.
Kidnapping is a rising issue in Anambra State, leading to increased patrols and community‑police collaborations throughout the state. Local officials report that operations such as this one reflect their dedication to dismantling criminal networks and restoring public trust in security services.
