The Anambra State Police Command successfully rescued two young female kidnap victims and apprehended four suspects involved in the crime.
This was confirmed in a statement by the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out by officers from the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters in Idemili South Local Government Area after a ransom of ₦200,000 had been paid for the victims’ release.
“On November 27, 2024, around 11:54 a.m., police operatives attached to the Oba Police Division arrested a notorious kidnapper and three accomplices after the ransom payment,” Ikenga said. “The team also rescued two female victims, aged between 15 and 19 years, in Oba.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects, 19-year-old Ifechukwu Ibesimako of Aboji Village, Oba, and his accomplices used social media to lure their victims by feigning friendship. They would then hold the victims captive until their families paid the demanded ransom.
The investigation also uncovered details of other crimes linked to the gang, including a similar incident where a ransom had been paid for another victim who was released months ago.
Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, warned youths to exercise caution when interacting with people on social media. He also directed the immediate transfer of the suspects to the Anti-Kidnapping and Robbery Squad for thorough investigation.
The police continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
