Two suspects, part of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang terrorising Imo State, have been killed by operatives of the Imo State Police Command?s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

According to a statement by the state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, the suspects were gunned down at Umuokanne in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state in a heavy gun battle with the police while attempting to rescue their abductors.

Okoye also disclosed that two members of the armed gang sustained bullet wounds during the melee.

He said, ?The operation, which took place on 4 January 2025, began when a distress call was received at around 12:00 PM, reporting the abduction of three women and one man in Umuokanne, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.

?Acting swiftly on intelligence gathered, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit located the criminals? hideout. Upon arrival, a gunfight ensued between the police operatives and the kidnappers. During the operation, two suspects were neutralised. The four victims?Carolyn Didia (42), Ego Odu (48), Apollonia Ezekwe (40), and Godwin Ezekwe (37)?were successfully freed.

?In addition to rescuing the victims, the police recovered one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a magazine from the criminals. However, two of the rescued victims sustained gunshot wounds from the kidnappers? bullets during the confrontation. They were promptly taken to Oforola Health Centre, where they are now stable and recovering well,? Okoye stated. (Saturday Sun: Text, Excluding Headline)