REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Police Command in Anambra State has arrested seven suspects in separate operations that also led to the rescue of a kidnap victim and the recovery of a stolen tricycle.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga , operatives of the Anambra IGP’s Violent Crime Response Unit, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Victor Onwuka, alias “Bugatti,” and Madukaife Chidiebere Kenechukwu, aged 30, in the early hours of 16th August 2026 at Akpukpokelemu Village, Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area.
The suspects were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a victim who was held captive for three days in a criminal hideout.
During the period of captivity, the kidnappers reportedly withdrew a total sum of ₦7 million from the victim’s bank accounts before fleeing with his Toyota Highlander SUV.
Police sources said the suspects confessed to their involvement during interrogation and were subsequently identified by the victim.
The release said that they are currently assisting the Police with useful information towards the identification and arrest of other members of the syndicate still at large.
In a separate operation on 15th September 2026, the same operatives, acting on open-source intelligence, arrested five suspects allegedly involved in the armed robbery and snatching of a TVS tricycle with registration number ASB595VD by armed men sometime in April 2026 at Asaba, Delta State.
Following the arrest of the first suspect, Nwakpa Friday, aged 38, and the recovery of the stolen tricycle at Old Road, Nkpor, operatives subsequently apprehended four other suspected members of the robbery syndicate.
They are Sylvester Nteshi, aged 53; Nwuzor Livinus, aged 35; Mgbom Uche, aged 27; and Chinweuba Chukwudi, aged 42.
The suspects and the recovered tricycle are currently in Police custody, while investigation is ongoing to establish the individual roles of the suspects and apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Nnanna Ama commended the operatives for their professionalism, intelligence-led approach and prompt response.
CP Ama reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations, strategic deployment of technology and coordinated operational pressure against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other forms of violent crime across the State.
