Police kill suspected kidnapper, recover victim in Anambra

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By Madu Obi

The Police-led Joint Security Force from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Aguata local government area of Anambra State, has killed a suspected kidnapper and recovered the victim after 40 minutes of exchange of gunfire.

The state Police command said the operatives were on a night visibility patrol around Amaokpala, Orumba North local government area when they encountered a group of armed hoodlums and engaged them in a gun duel.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said that during the operation, the operatives successfully rescued a 26 year old female kidnap victim, neutralized one of the armed criminals, and recovered several items:

The items recovered include one pump-action gun, 11 live cartridges, one ash-coloured Toyota Camry Sedan with Reg. No: Lagos-EPE-208-FK, one Police belt, one carton of Chelsea sachet alcoholic drink, one Zenith Bank ATM card, one axe, one small tecno mobile phone, one packet of cigarette, assorted charms and a cash sum of ₦2,700 "

According to him, the hoodlums opened fire on sighting the patrol team, adding that the operatives tactically returned fire, leading to a gun duel that lasted for about 40 minutes.

He said that one of the hoodlums who was fatally wounded was taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.

Ikenga said that the body has been deposited in the mortuary, while the rescued victim has since been debriefed and provided with necessary medical attention, ahead of a safe reunion with her family.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu commended the gallant efforts of the operatives and reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to making Anambra State inimical to all forms of criminal activity.