Crimes

Security operatives rescue kidnapped Catholic priest, 3 others

Security operatives have rescued a kidnapped Catholic priest and three other hostages unhurt in Ogbunka, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, made the disclosure in a statement on Saturday, October 7, 2023.

Ikenga said the rescue was carried out by the Command’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), comprising military and paramilitary services based in Aguata and supported by the Police Rapid Response Squad in the Awkuzu area of Anambra State.

He stated that the security operatives, in a well-coordinated operation, arrested three suspects, and recovered nine vehicles, three Pump Action guns, stolen camouflage uniforms, and Biafra flag.

The police spokesman disclosed that several phones, flash drives, and SIM cards, which could aid comprehensive investigation and prosecution of the offenders were also found.

Ikenga said the gunmen had been responsible for a spate of abductions in Orumba North and South as well as parts of the Aguata council area in recent times.

He said the abducted victims were all kidnapped in October, stating that the raid on the insurgents’ camp followed months of diligent, painstaking intelligence gathering, and investigation which led to uncovering the criminals’ hideout.

He added that the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, ordered and coordinated the operation, and praised all the security operatives involved for their professionalism which ensured no life was lost.

The Star