Operatives of the Anti – kidnapping unit of the Imo state police command have busted a kidnapping syndicate that has been terrorizing the residents of Obinze and Avu communities in Owerri west council area of Imo state.
The operatives also rescued their victim, a 26-year-old woman who was abducted from her residence in Obinze on 18 August by the syndicate.
In a press release on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Imo state police command, Henry Okoye( ASP ) they said that the command had responded to the case of a reported kidnapping of a 26-year-old woman from her house on 18 August and that the operatives of the Anti kidnapping unit was immediately activated to track the hoodlums.
According to him: ” In response to a reported kidnapping of a 26-year-old woman from her residence in Obinze, Owerri West LGA on August 18, 2024, the Commissioner of Police promptly deployed the Command’s anti-kidnapping unit with all available operational resources and intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safe rescue of the victim.
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Following the CP’s directives and the collection of actionable intelligence, the operatives targeted a forest hideout in Avu, where the suspects were located. During the operation, the team successfully rescued the victim unharmed and arrested five individuals: Umaru Usman, 40, from Mauree in Sokoto; Tukur Yau, 25, from Dawakinkudur in Kano State; Musbau Sabo, 18, from Warsaw LGA in Kano State; Abdul Ibrahim, 30, from Sokoto State; and Jubrin Idris, 35, from Sokoto State. The suspects were found in possession of one pump-action gun, five cartridges, two daggers, a cutlass, and various items suspected to be charms.
Interrogation revealed that the suspects were members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorizing residents in Obinze, Avu, and surrounding areas. Ongoing investigations aim to apprehend the remaining members of the gang and ensure they face the full extent of the law.”
In a related development, operatives of the anti-kidnapping of the Imo state police command also apprehended one Nwauba Alex,25 years from Ezza local government of Ebonyi state on 21 August, robbing two residents at gunpoint near the Aladimma primary school in Owerri Municipality.
“The suspect was caught in the act of robbing two residents at gunpoint near Aladinma Primary School, Owerri. During the arrest, one locally made pistol, two rounds of live ammunition, and torchlights were recovered from the suspect and the victims were rescued unharmed.
Upon interrogation, the suspect admitted to the robbery and revealed that he purchased the shotgun from an individual in Ezza, Ebonyi State. Efforts are underway to locate and arrest the gun manufacturers, who will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The suspect will be charged in court once the investigation is complete.
This operational breakthrough underscores the Command’s unwavering commitment to combat crime and ensure public safety in the state.”
