Anambra state police command has announced the arrest of two wanted criminal suspects linked to kidnap cases in the state
This was made public in a statement made available to newsmen by the Anambra state police public relations officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Acting on credible intelligence the command notes that its Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, led the operation that resulted to the arrest of one Dauda Mohamed, who confessed to be a member of the suspected member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate in Kogi State.
During interrogation, the command stressed that the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in several kidnapping operations.
He went further to identified one Umar Ali, as leader of the kidnap gang, who he claimed was responsible for coordinating logistics and supplying operational weapons to the criminal network.
The statement reads in part that the suspect also mentioned one Usman and Gongola as members of the syndicate identified, but they are currently at large.
In his confessional statement, the command hinted that his investigation revealed that the suspect was linked to the kidnapping of a victim at Divine Heritage Lodge, Ukwulu, Dunukofia Local Government Area.
According to the command, in the incident, armed hoodlums emerged from an uncompleted building behind the lodge, fired several gunshots, abducted the victim into a nearby bush, and later demanded a ransom of ₦30,000,000
After negotiations, the sum of ₦15,000,000 only was paid before the victim regained his freedom after spending four days in captivity.
The command emphasised that Preliminary investigations reveal that the gang allegedly relocated from armed bandit enclaves in the North-West and established criminal operations within parts of the South-East.
Investigations also indicate that the syndicate used an AK-47 rifle, allegedly supplied by the gang leader, to carry out kidnapping and armed robbery operations.
Acting swiftly on information obtained during the interrogation, operatives extended the operation to Ugwuoba Gariki Enugu State, where they successfully arrested Umar Ali, also known as “Barjini,”.
The command assured Anambra residents to be resolute, reinstates efforts to deny criminals any safe haven within the State.
The police public relations officer reiterates the importance of public support, described Security is a shared responsibility, and urge residents to continue providing timely, credible, and actionable information that will assist the Police in preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice.
