Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt in Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area, rescuing three abducted individuals, including a couple.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Saturday evening when armed criminals ambushed the victims at Okacha Junction.
The kidnappers reportedly forced the victims out of their cars and into another vehicle before attempting to flee the scene.
An eyewitness described the dramatic event: “The incident happened on Saturday evening. The hoodlums who were trailing the victims suddenly double-crossed the victims’ vehicles at Okacha Junction, after which they coerced them into another vehicle and were taking them away before the swift intervention of the police.
After a hot chase, the hoodlums abandoned their victims and fled in another vehicle. It was like a commando film.”
Confirming the operation in a statement on Sunday, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the prompt response of officers from the Neni Divisional Headquarters was key to the rescue.
Ikenga said, “Police operatives attached to the Neni Divisional Headquarters responded swiftly to a distress call along Okacha junction, Neni on May 3, 2025, by 8.45pm, foiled a kidnap incident, rescued three victims, including a husband and wife, and recovered one of the victim’s vehicles from the scene.”
He added that the Joint Security Force, including the Military, Civil Defence, and local vigilantes, had joined the manhunt for the fleeing criminals.
“Meanwhile, the Joint Security Force, comprising the Military, Civil Defence and Vigilantes have complimented the onslaught of operational efforts of the Police aimed at arresting the armed hoodlums and to recover one Black Lexus 350 SUV with Reg. No: ABJ 557 LD reportedly snatched from the second rescued victim and which the hoodlums used to escape from the scene.”
In response to the incident, Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, called on residents to remain alert and law-abiding.
He urged the public to support law enforcement in safeguarding the state.
