Police nab two suspected kidnappers in Anambra

The Anambra State Police has arrested two suspected kidnappers linked to several abductions in the state. This includes the kidnapping of a victim at Divine Heritage Lodge in Ukwulu, Dunukofia Local Government Area, where ₦15 million was paid as ransom.

The main suspect was picked up on July 27 after police got credible information and conducted investigations through the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police, shared this news at a press conference in Awka on Saturday.

Ikenga said the second suspect was caught at the gang's hideout based on what the first suspect revealed during questioning. He called the arrests a big win in the police's ongoing fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He said, “In the early hours of July 27, following credible intelligence and thorough investigations, Anambra police operatives from the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu carried out a coordinated operation. They arrested one Dauda Mohamed, 38, a suspected member of a notorious kidnapping group from Kogi State.

“While being questioned, the suspect admitted to being involved in several kidnapping cases in Anambra State. He named one Umar Ali, also known as ‘Barjini’, 50, as the leader of the gang. Barjini is responsible for coordinating logistics and providing weapons to the gang.

“He also mentioned other gang members called Usman and Gongola, who are still on the run. This investigation is linked to the kidnapping of a victim that happened on June 26, 2026, at Divine Heritage Lodge in Ukwulu, Dunukofia Local Government Area.

“In that incident, armed criminals came from an unfinished building behind the lodge, shot several times, and took the victim into a nearby bush. They later demanded a ransom of ₦30 million. After talks, ₦15 million was paid before the victim was released after spending four days in captivity.”

Ikenga noted that early investigations showed the gang moved from armed bandit hideouts in the North-West and set up operations in parts of the South-East. He added that the gang used an AK-47 rifle, reportedly provided by the gang leader, for their kidnapping and robbery activities.

“Quickly acting on information from the interrogation, police operatives expanded their operation to Ugwuoba Gariki in Enugu State, where they successfully arrested Umar Ali, also known as ‘Barjini’.

“I want to assure Ndi Anambra and all residents that the police will not give criminals a safe place in the state. We will keep up our proactive operations, enhance intelligence gathering, and work with other security agencies to break down criminal networks wherever they are.

“We also want to stress how important public support is. Security is a shared responsibility. We urge residents to keep providing timely and credible information to help police prevent crime and bring criminals to justice.

“As investigations go on, we will update the public as needed,” he added.