A police officer lost his life while two others sustained injuries during exchange of gun duel between operatives of the Anambra State Police Command and suspected kidnappers in Obosi in Idemili North local government area of the State.

The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Police headquarters in Awka.

He said the operatives successfully rescued four kidnapped victims, including Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor, after an intense tactical operation carried out on May 10, 2026.

According to Orutugu, the victims had spent three days in captivity before security operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout in Obosi, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

He further revealed that two suspected kidnappers were killed during the operation, while several arms, ammunition and vehicles were recovered from the gang.

He listed the items recovered to include one locally made pistol, 100 rounds of live General Purpose Machine Gun ammunition, 23 expended ammunition and three vehicles, among them a silver Lexus RX 350 belonging to one of the rescued victims.

The CP however regretted that one of the police operatives lost his life in the line of duty while two others suffered gunshot injuries and are currently responding to treatment.

“The officer paid the supreme sacrifice in active service to the nation. The command honours his courage, gallantry and dedication to duty,” he said.

The CP added that the State Government had promised to support the family of the deceased officer and offset the medical bills of the injured personnel.

He disclosed that the police later cordoned off the building where the victims were rescued following attempts by angry residents to set the property ablaze.

He however suggested that such facilities be converted to Police stations or residential houses for the Police rather than seizing them.

While highlighting other breakthroughs recorded by the command in recent days, the CP identified regrouping of fleeing suspects after their accomplices were arrested as a major challenge facing the Command, calling for community collaboration with the police.

He said, “Operatives on May 7 carried out strategic clearance operations in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South LGA following intelligence reports that suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group were attempting to regroup.

“One Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, aged 37, identified as a suspected top commander of the outlawed group, had earlier been arrested.

“Security operatives recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun with about 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 improvised explosive devices, one locally made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns and three hand grenades during the raid.

“Other items recovered included 10 rounds of K2 live ammunition, a gas cylinder and a black Ecolac box.

“The operatives also dislodged the armed criminals and sustained operational dominance in the area to prevent any regrouping.

“The police command also announced the arrest of a suspected cultist, Favour Izunna, alias Njoku, aged 22, alleged to be a member of the Vikings Confraternity.”

Orutugu alleged that the suspect confessed to participating in several killings in Obosi and neighbouring communities, including the deaths of Emeka Chukwuka and Chinelo Onyeka.

The suspect’s arrest, according to the police, 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 command further disclosed that five suspects had been remanded over alleged sexual offences and child abuse cases in Awka and surrounding communities.

Among them, the police said, is a father accused of having unlawful sexual relations with his biological daughter in Oko.

In another development, the command said operatives arrested a female suspect, Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu, over alleged child trafficking activities in Aguata Local Government Area.

The police said the operation led to the rescue of 12 children — seven girls and five boys aged between one and 20 years — believed to be victims of child trafficking and stealing.

Orutugu reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining operations against kidnapping, cultism, child trafficking and other violent crimes in the state. (The Nation)

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