Anambra Priest, 2 others rescued, 9 vehicles recovered from kidnappers’ camp

Three hostages, including a Catholic priest, nine vehicles and three pump action guns were among the items recovered in a raid by Anambra Police Command Forward Operating Base (FOB) during a well-coordinated operation at an insurgents’ camp in Ogbunka Community of Orumba South LG of Anambra on Friday.

 

Three of the gang members operating the camp believed to be responsible for kidnappings in Orumba North and South as well as parts of Aguata council of the state in recent times were also arrested.

 

The raid on the insurgents’ camp followed months of diligent, painstaking intelligence gathering and investigation which led to uncovering the criminals’ hideout.

 

The Police Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, military and paramilitary services based in Aguata were part of the security operatives who carried out the raid, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, said in a statement.

 

He said in a well-coordinated operation, the team stormed the insurgents’ camp at Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area and rescued the victims.

 

He said three suspects were arrested during the operation, nine vehicles and three Pump Action guns, stolen camouflage uniforms and a Biafra flag were recovered.

 

He added that several phones, flash drives and SIM cards, which could aid comprehensive investigation and prosecution of the offenders were also found.

He said that the gang had been responsible for the spate of abductions in Orumba North and South as well as parts of the Aguata council area in recent times.

 

Ikenga added that the rescued hostages were all abducted in October.

 

The PPRO noted further that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Aderemi Adeoye, ordered and coordinated the operation, praised all the service personnel and vigilante men involved for their professionalism which ensured no life was lost.

 

The statement noted the commendation of the operatives by Prof. Charles Soludo, Anambra Governor and his assurance to continue to support all services involved in joint security operations across the state.