By Admin
The Anambra State Police Command have rescued a 26-year-old female kidnap victim during a late-night operation that led to a gun duel with suspected hoodlums in the Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred during a routine visibility patrol around Amaokpala, under the jurisdiction of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Aguata.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, on late Sunday evening, the patrol team encountered a gang of armed men who opened fire upon sighting the operatives. The security team swiftly responded, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted approximately 40 minutes.
“One of the suspects was fatally wounded during the gun duel and was later confirmed dead in a nearby hospital, where his body has been deposited at the morgue for preservation,” the statement said.
In the aftermath of the operation, police rescued the kidnap victim who had been held captive by the gang. She was immediately debriefed and given medical attention before arrangements were made to reunite her with her family.
Items recovered from the scene include a pump-action rifle, eleven live cartridges, an ash-coloured Toyota Camry with registration number Lagos EPE 208 FK, a police belt, one Zenith Bank ATM card, charms, a small Tecno mobile phone, a packet of cigarettes, a carton of Chelsea alcoholic sachets, an axe, and a cash sum of ₦2,700.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu commended the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the operatives during the operation. He reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating criminal elements across the state.
“Our operatives remain vigilant and will continue to dominate public space to ensure Anambra remains hostile to criminality in all forms,” CP Orutugu stated.
The Police Command urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and continue to assist with credible information that could aid in curbing crime in the state.
