THE Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has revealed that two abductors of Dr Edwin Emegoakor, Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital in Nkpor, were neutralised in a fierce gun battle at their hideout in Obosi.
Speaking at a press briefing in Awka on Wednesday, the police chief confirmed that four kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation, which took place three days after the abduction following an intense tactical offensive against the armed gang.
“During the operation, the operatives neutralised two armed suspects and recovered one locally made pistol, 100 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) rounds, 23 expended cartridges, and three vehicles – including a silver RX 350 Lexus belonging to one of the rescued victims and others believed to have been stolen and used by the gang for their operations,” Mr Orutugu said.
He added with regret that the command suffered one fatal injury to a police officer during the exchange of fire. “The officer paid the supreme sacrifice in active service to the nation. The command honours his courage, gallantry and dedication to duty, and thanks the state government for its promise to care for the late officer’s family and cover the hospital expenses of the two other injured officers, who are currently responding to medical treatment.”
The commissioner also disclosed that operatives had cordoned off the building where the victims were rescued, after local residents attempted to set it on fire.
Ongoing Security Offensives
In a continuation of security operations across criminal flashpoints, Mr Orutugu revealed that the command carried out strategic clearance operations on 7th May 2026 in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area.
“Recall that the camp was earlier destroyed by a joint security team. Before the confession, one Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, male, aged 37 years, allegedly one of the top commanders of the proscribed secessionist group, is in custody, as well as intelligence received over time pointing to how some escaped gang members were attempting to regroup.”
The offensive operation led to the recovery of one GPMG with approximately 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, ten locally made improvised explosive devices (IEDs), one locally made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades, ten rounds of K2 live ammunition, one gas cylinder and one black Ecolac box.
“The operatives also dislodged the armed criminals and sustained operational dominance in the area to prevent any regrouping,” he added.
Cult Suspect Arrested
In a similar development, Mr Orutugu said operatives acting on credible information from an arrested suspect – one Favour Izunna, also known as Njoku, aged 22, allegedly a member of a dreaded cult group called the Vikings Confraternity – led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, one locally made Beretta pistol and five rounds of 7.5mm live ammunition.
“The suspect also confessed to being one of the executioners of the dreaded cult groups and has led as well as participated in many killings, including victims identified as Emeka Chukwuka (male) and Chinelo Onyeka (female), among others, in Obosi and its environs. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members and dismantle the criminal network associated with the suspect.”
Child Abuse And Trafficking Cases
The command has also secured the remand of five suspects at the correctional centre over various cases involving sexual offences and child abuse in Awka. Among the suspects is a father alleged to have engaged in an unlawful sexual relationship with his biological daughter in Oko, alongside other suspects linked to child abuse and related offences.
“The command views crimes against children and vulnerable persons as grave violations and assures the public that all cases involving sexual abuse, violence against children and related offences will be thoroughly investigated and diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Mr Orutugu said.
In another breakthrough, he revealed the arrest of a female suspect, Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu, over alleged child trafficking activities in Aguata Local Government Area. Following the operation, police operatives successfully rescued twelve children between the ages of one and 20 – seven girls and five boys – believed to be victims of child stealing and trafficking.
“The children have been placed under protective care while investigations continue to uncover the full network and possible collaborators connected to the criminal act. The command remains committed to protecting children and dismantling all forms of human trafficking and exploitation within the state,” he assured.
The commissioner paid glowing tribute to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunde Disu, for encouraging the command to make Anambra State a place to live in, and also lauded the state government, sister security agencies, community leaders and the good people of the state for their cooperation and partnership in the fight against crime.
