The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim during a routine visibility patrol around the Isulo axis of Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.
The victim, a Nigerian based in South Africa and a native of Obinagu–Isikweachi in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, was reportedly abducted on January 1, 2026, in the evening.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the victim was kidnapped from his hometown by a gang of six armed men who allegedly wore face masks.
According to Ikenga, police-led joint security operatives attached to the Forward Operating Base, Aguata, rescued the victim in the early hours of Thursday while on routine patrol in the area.
The statement read in part, “Police-led joint security operatives attached to the Forward Operating Base, Aguata, in the early hours of January 15, 2026, while on routine visibility patrol around the Isulo axis of Orumba South Local Government Area, Anambra State, successfully rescued a kidnapped victim.
“The victim disclosed that he is a Nigerian citizen and native of Obinagu–Isikweachi, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, but is currently based in South Africa.
“He was abducted on January 1, 2026, in the evening hours, from his hometown by a gang of six armed men who reportedly covered their faces with masks.
“The victim further revealed that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦40 million from his wife and relatives. He, however, managed to escape from the kidnappers’ den, leading to his eventual rescue by the joint security operatives.”
Ikenga said the victim was debriefed after his rescue and has since been reunited with his family.
He added that security operatives are working with actionable intelligence provided by the victim to locate and dismantle the kidnappers’ hideout and arrest those responsible.
“The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to proactive policing. Further developments will be communicated,” he said.
Dip Connect Online News recalls that the Anambra State Police Command recently arrested two suspected armed robbers linked to a proscribed secessionist group after a two-hour gun battle at Enugwu-Agidi Junction in Dunukofia Local Government Area.
SP Ikenga said the suspects were arrested following a gun duel with a five-man robbery gang, describing the operation as another major breakthrough in the command’s ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and protect lives and property.
Elijah Adeyemi
