The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a kidnap victim and arrested seven suspects linked to separate kidnapping and armed robbery syndicates.
The command said two of the suspects were members of a kidnapping syndicate, while the other five allegedly belonged to a gang involved in vehicle snatching.
In a statement on Thursday, the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said police operatives arrested the suspects during separate intelligence-led operations.
In the first operation, operatives of the Anambra IGP’s Violent Crime Response Unit arrested Victor Onwuka, alias “Bugatti”, and 30-year-old Madukaife Chidiebere Kenechukwu in the early hours of August 16, 2026.
Police arrested the suspects at Akpukpokelemu Village, Nimo, in Njikoka Local Government Area.
Ikenga said the suspects allegedly kidnapped a victim and held him captive for three days at a criminal hideout.
During the victim’s captivity, the suspects allegedly withdrew ₦7 million from his bank accounts before escaping with his Toyota Highlander SUV.
Police said the suspects confessed during interrogation and were later identified by the victim.
The command said they were also providing information to help investigators track down other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
In a separate operation on September 15, police arrested five suspects allegedly involved in an armed robbery syndicate that specialised in vehicle snatching.
The suspects were linked to the robbery and theft of a TVS tricycle, registration number ASB595VD, by armed men in Asaba, Delta State, in April 2026.
Police first arrested 38-year-old Nwakpa Friday and recovered the stolen tricycle at Old Road, Nkpor, Anambra State.
The operation led to the arrest of four other suspected members of the gang: 53-year-old Sylvester Nteshi, 35-year-old Nwuzor Livinus, 27-year-old Mgbom Uche and 42-year-old Chiweuba Chukwudi.
The suspects and the recovered tricycle remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Police said investigators are working to determine the individual roles of the suspects and arrest other members of the syndicate who are still at large.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnanna Ama, commended the officers for their response and intelligence-led operations.
He said the command would continue to use intelligence, technology and coordinated operations to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across the state.
