The Anambra State Police Command has successfully foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued three victims in separate operations across the state, according to a statement released on Tuesday.
The police also arrested a suspected member of a proscribed armed separatist group during the coordinated raids, which were carried out in the early hours of July 15, 2025.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the developments and said the operations were part of ongoing efforts by the command to tackle violent crime and insecurity.
“The Anambra State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu, continues to record major operational breakthroughs in its determination to rid the state of criminal elements,” Ikenga said.
One of the suspects arrested was identified as 31-year-old Gospel Ozioma Nneto, also known as “OZ.” He was described as a notorious member of an armed separatist group and was arrested by officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad.
According to police, Nneto confessed to being the group’s photographer and operated from a camp known as “Mother Valley” located around the Orsumohu-Orsu axis. He is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation.
In a separate operation, Divisional Police Officers from Nimo and Nteje, working with local vigilante groups, rescued three kidnapped victims. Two of the victims—female—were rescued from a forest between Oraukwu and Nimo communities. The third victim was rescued following a gun battle in Nteje, which led to the neutralisation of two armed attackers.
Items recovered from the raids include a pump-action gun, a dagger, and other incriminating materials.
The police command stated that efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the criminal groups involved.
“The command remains resolute in its mission to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors in Anambra State,” Ikenga added.
The successful rescue operations come amid heightened efforts to curb insecurity and criminal activities in the southeastern state, particularly those linked to armed separatist groups and kidnapping gangs.