By Kamsi Anayo
Police operatives in Anambra state in collaboration with members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, have arrested three armed suspects at Umuezeala Awuda Village, Nnobi, in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued by the State Police Command spokesperson, Ikenga Tochukwu on Friday, the arrests followed a well-coordinated operation based on credible intelligence.
He said the joint security team stormed a bush hideout located in Umuezeala Awuda Village, leading to the successful apprehension of the suspects.
He stated that the operatives not only arrested the three armed suspects but also rescued a kidnap victim during the operation.
Items recovered from the suspects include one locally made Beretta pistol and a ransom of ₦469,000.
The suspects have been identified as Chidalu Obi (25), Chichebem Ojenigbo (26), and Chikannechukwu Eze (20).
Ikenga said the preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects lured the victim, an electrician by profession, under the pretext of offering him a job.
Upon arriving at the agreed location, the victim was forcibly blindfolded at gunpoint and taken to a bush in Umuezeala Awuda, where he was held captive.
He further disclosed that the suspects have confessed to the crime and admitted to collecting a ransom of ₦469,000, which was transferred into a SportyBet account belonging to one of the suspects, Chidalu Obi.
Ikenga reiterated that the Anambra State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information.
