Police Shoot Dead Two Suspected Kidnappers in Anambra

The Anambra State Police have shot dead two suspected kidnappers after a gunfight on Ezeowelle Road in Idemili Local Government Area.

In a statement on Wednesday, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra Police, said the Rapid Response Squad from Awkuzu took action after spotting the suspects on the road.

Ikenga explained that as soon as the police arrived, the suspects fired at them, resulting in a gun battle that lasted for several minutes.

During the shootout, two suspects were hit and later died from their injuries. Other gang members managed to escape but not without getting hurt.

The statement said, “The Anambra State Police Command has achieved another important breakthrough in its ongoing operations against kidnapping, robbery, and other violent crimes in the state.

“Early this morning, 19th August 2026, officers of the Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu received reliable information that a group of armed robbers and kidnappers was seen along Eziowelle Road.

“The Police operatives quickly moved to the scene. When the suspects saw the police team, they opened fire, leading to a gunfight.

“During the encounter, two of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries, while other gang members escaped with various gunshot wounds.

“The officers recovered one AK-47 rifle with a magazine holding four live rounds of ammunition, one pump-action gun, and five live cartridges from the scene.”

Ikenga noted that the Anambra State Police, led by CP Nnanna Oji Ama, is committed to continuing intelligence-led and proactive efforts to break down criminal groups and ensure safety for residents.

“The Command has started further investigations and is working hard to find the gang members who escaped. We will share more updates as they come,” he added.