Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Anambra State Police Command on Wednesday disclosed that a fierce gun battle between security operatives and suspected kidnappers led to the rescue of a kidnapped medical doctor, Dr Edwin Emegakor, and four other victims in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, however, left one police officer dead, while two others sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire with the armed suspects.
Addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Awka, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, said the rescue operation followed intelligence-driven investigations carried out by operatives tracking the criminal gang.
According to him, security operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout on May 10, leading to a confrontation that resulted in the killing of two suspected members of the gang.
Orutugu said the operatives recovered one locally made pistol, 100 rounds of GPMG ammunition, 23 expended ammunition shells and three vehicles allegedly linked to the criminal network.
Among the recovered vehicles was a silver Lexus RX 350 reportedly belonging to one of the rescued victims.
The police commissioner explained that the operation formed part of ongoing intensified offensives against kidnapping, cultism, armed violence and other criminal activities across Anambra State.
“This press briefing became necessary to inform Ndi Anambra and the general public on some significant operational achievements recently recorded by the Command in our intensified offensive against kidnapping, cultism, armed violence, child trafficking, sexual offences, and other criminal activities across the State.
“Today, I am pleased to brief Ndi Anambra and the general public on some significant operational achievements recently recorded by the Command in our intensified offensive against kidnapping, cultism, armed violence, child trafficking, sexual offences, and other criminal activities across the state.”
Dr Emegakor, who is the Medical Director of Crown Multi-Specialist Hospital, Nkpor, in Idemili North Local Government Area, was abducted from his hospital premises on May 7, 2026.
Police authorities said he regained freedom three days later alongside four other captives during the operation in Obosi.
Orutugu reaffirmed the commitment of the command to sustaining security operations aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.
