Police Rescue Kidnap Victim, Kill Suspect in Gun Battle

A 26-year-old female kidnap victim has been rescued following a fierce gun battle between a Police-led Joint Security Team and armed hoodlums in the Amaokpala area of Aguata Local Government Area.

This occurred in the late hours of Saturday, July 12, during a routine night visibility patrol conducted by operatives from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Aguata. The armed gang reportedly opened fire upon sighting the patrol team, sparking a gun duel that lasted around 40 minutes.

According to the Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operatives responded precisely, neutralising one of the suspects. The victim was freed unharmed and has since received medical attention and been debriefed in preparation for her reunion with her family.

In the course of the operation, security personnel recovered a range of items from the scene, including: One pump-action gun, Eleven live cartridges, an ash-coloured Toyota Camry sedan (Reg. No. Lagos EPE 208 FK), a Police belt, a carton of Chelsea alcoholic sachet drinks, one Zenith Bank ATM card, one axe, a Tecno mobile phone, a packet of cigarettes, assorted charms and ₦2,700 in cash.

The fatally wounded suspect was confirmed dead at a nearby hospital, and his body has been deposited at the morgue.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, praised the operatives for their bravery and swift action. He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to make Anambra State a hostile ground for criminal activities.