In response to a distress call, Anambra State Police operatives quickly acted. They successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt.
The incident happened on Saturday evening, May 3, 2025, in Neni community, Anaocha Local Government Area.
As a result, three victims were rescued, including a husband and wife.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants, who were reportedly trailing the victims, intercepted their vehicles at Okacha Junction.
The hoodlums forced the victims into another vehicle and attempted to flee the scene.
However, the timely intervention of law enforcement officers prevented the abduction from escalating.
An eyewitness described the event as dramatic, noting, “The hoodlums double-crossed their vehicles and ordered the victims into another car.
It was like watching a commando film.
The police arrived swiftly and immediately engaged in a hot pursuit, which forced the criminals to abandon their victims and escape in another vehicle.
Confirming the incident in a press statement on Sunday, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson for the Anambra State, praised the prompt response of officers from the Neni Divisional Headquarters.
He explained that on May 3, 2025, at approximately 8:45 pm, officers responded quickly to a distress call along Okacha Junction in Neni.
Thanks to their timely intervention, they foiled a kidnapping attempt, rescued three victims, and recovered one of the victims’ vehicles.
Furthermore, SP Ikenga disclosed that a joint security force, including the Military, Civil Defence, and local Vigilante groups, supported the police during the operation.
During the operation, security personnel recovered a Black Lexus 350 SUV with registration number ABJ 557 LD.
The vehicle was reportedly snatched from one of the rescued victims; as a result, hoodlums used it to escape.
Following the theft, the hoodlums seized the vehicle, which they then used to make their escape.
The Commissioner of Police for Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, praised the collaborative efforts of security agencies and urged residents to remain vigilant. He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in maintaining peace and security in the state.
“The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of residents. We encourage everyone to stay law-abiding and work closely with security agencies to prevent criminal activities,” CP Orutugu stated.
The police have launched an investigation into the incident and are intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.