A kidnapping syndicate has been raided and dismantled by Imo State Police Command agents working with the military in the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base).
Afripost.ng gathered that on October 4, in Ezioha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, the officers conducted an operation headed by intelligence and gunned down one of the escaping suspects while also saving four victims.
Four people who had been kidnapped along Orlu Road on September 29, 2024, were safely rescued as a result of the operation, according to a news statement issued by State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye. This, as one suspected kidnapper, was also neutralised.
According to the announcement, the rescued victims include Bartholomew, a 56-year-old man from Benue State; Mr and Mrs Anthony Nwosu, 44 and 31 years old, respectively, residents of Ohi in Mbaitolu LGA; and Eze Okoro of Orlu LGA.
One suspect was killed and others fled into nearby bushes, suffering varying degrees of injuries, according to the police spokesman, who reported that there was an exchange of gunfire as the security forces approached the suspects’ hideout. The suspects attacked the approaching security agencies but were successfully repelled.
The announcement lists Eze Okoro of Orlu LGA, Mr and Mrs Anthony Nwosu, who are local to Ohi in Mbaitolu LGA and are 44 and 31 years old, respectively, as well as Bartholomew, a 56-year-old man from Benue State, as among the rescued victims.
Okoye went on to say that other items recovered from the camp as a result of the operation included a pump-action gun, ten live cartridges, four spent cartridges, four explosives made locally, a Biafra flag, a native bulletproof vest, two Highlander SUVs, a Toyota Camry with an ash colour, and other items.
In response to the incident, CP Aboki Danjuma, Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, and Obinze, Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, praised the operators for their prompt and efficient action.
They also took use of the opportunity to exhort the joint operators to keep up their pace in the ongoing battle against crime in the State.