Four arrested for kidnapping in Anambra

The Anambra State Police have arrested four suspects linked to different kidnapping and armed robbery cases in the state. They recovered a locally made pistol and other items during these operations.

The police also stopped a kidnapping attempt in Ogbaru Local Government Area. This happened during different operations in various locations.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson, shared this news in a statement on Sunday. He said these arrests are part of a security review and ongoing fight against violent crimes in the state.

Ikenga noted that the operations also focused on cult activities, armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, banditry, sexual crimes, and drug-related issues. They managed to recover a stolen car, illegal drugs, and took down one suspected kidnapper.

Police from the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, worked with detectives from the Ogbaru Divisional Police Headquarters to carry out these operations.

The statement said, "As part of the ongoing security review and sustained fight against violent crimes in Anambra State, the Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant operational breakthroughs with the arrest of four suspected kidnappers involved in separate kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across the state."

On July 15, 2026, police arrested Okoye Ibegbunam Chukwuebuka John Bosco, also known as ‘Bone,’ who is 32 years old. This arrest is part of the investigation into the kidnapping of a victim in Okpanam, Asaba, Delta State, who was kidnapped, robbed, and forced to pay a ransom to get free.

While searching the suspect, police found one locally made pistol, two live rounds of ammunition, an axe, and an Itel Android phone with the victim’s photo as the screensaver. The suspect reportedly admitted to his role in the crime. The police are still trying to catch other gang members who are still at large.

In another development, the Rapid Response Squad and Ogbaru detectives stopped a kidnapping plot in Ogbaru on the evening of July 16, 2026. They arrested three men suspected of being part of a kidnapping gang and recovered a black Toyota Camry with tinted windows and Lagos plate number LND 789HR, believed to have been used by the gang.

The suspects are Chekwube Chukwu, 32; Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34; and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30. Initial investigations showed they were caught trying to kidnap a female POS operator at Iyiowa, Odekpe, Atani, on the morning of July 16, 2026.

The victim raised an alarm, which caught the attention of nearby residents. This led to a quick police response after a distress call. Their quick action stopped the kidnapping attempt and saved the victim, leading to the suspects' arrest.

Further investigations connected the suspects to another kidnapping incident involving a female POS operator at Dominion Park, Head Bridge, Onitsha, on June 3, 2026. During that incident, she was taken, stripped of two POS machines and Android phones, and forced to pay a ransom of ₦3.5 million before being released.

During questioning, the suspects reportedly confessed to their crimes. They are currently helping the police find their accomplices and others involved in the gang operating in the state, added the statement.

Ikenga said the operations show the police's dedication to breaking down criminal groups and improving safety for the public.

The police also urged the public to stay alert and help them with timely and reliable information to boost security in the state.