Four Suspected Kidnappers and Robbers Arrested in Anambra

The police in Anambra State have arrested four suspected kidnappers linked to various kidnapping and robbery cases in the area.

Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesman in Anambra, shared this news in a statement on Sunday in Awka.

"As part of the ongoing security review and efforts against violent crimes, the Anambra Police Command has made significant progress with the arrest of four suspected kidnappers.

"They were involved in separate kidnapping and armed robbery cases across the state," he said.

Ikenga, who is a superintendent of police, mentioned that on 16 July, the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu, along with detectives from the Ogbaru Divisional Police Station, stopped a kidnapping attempt in Iyiowa, Odekpe, Atani, located in Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA).

"The team arrested three male suspects from a kidnapping group and recovered a black Toyota Camry with tinted glasses and a Lagos registration number LND 789HR, which they used for their operations.

"The suspects are Chekwube Chukwu, 32, Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34, and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30," he added.

He explained that initial investigations showed the suspects were caught while trying to abduct a female Point of Sale (POS) operator in Atani that morning.

The police spokesman said the victim raised an alarm, which attracted the attention of nearby residents and led to a quick police response to the distress call.

He noted that the police's quick action stopped the kidnapping attempt, saved the victim, and led to the suspects' arrest.

Ikenga also said further investigations connected the suspects to a previous kidnapping of another female POS operator at Dominion Park, Head Bridge, Onitsha, on 3 June 2026.

He explained that the suspects took two POS machines and Android phones from her, forcing her family to pay a ransom of N3.5 million for her release.

He mentioned that during questioning, the suspects admitted their involvement in these crimes.

Ikenga stated that the suspects are currently sharing valuable information to help the police find their accomplices and other members of their gang operating in the state.

Another Suspect Arrested

The police also said that on the afternoon of 15 July, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu arrested a 32-year-old man, Johnbosco Okoye, also known as Bone.

Ikenga did not specify where this suspect was arrested but mentioned it was part of the ongoing investigation into a kidnapping in Okpanam, Asaba, Delta State.

He explained that the victim was abducted, robbed, and forced to pay a ransom before being released.

During a search of the suspect, the police found one locally made pistol, two live rounds of ammunition, one axe, and one Itel Android phone with the victim's photo as the screensaver.

Ikenga said the suspect confessed to the crime and that the police are working to catch other gang members who are still at large.

Ikenga emphasized the police's determination to break down criminal networks and enhance public safety in Anambra.

He urged the public to stay alert and continue providing the police with timely and reliable information to help improve security in the state.