Imo: Security Operatives Smash Kidnappers’ Den, Kill One Suspect, Rescue Victims

Operatives from the Imo State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base), in conjunction with military personnel, have successfully dismantled a kidnapping syndicate.

It was learnt that they shot down one of the fleeing suspects, rescued four victims during what the command termed as an intelligence-led operation on October 4, in Ezioha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

A press release from the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye disclosed that the operation led to the neutralization of one suspected terrorist and the safe rescue of four individuals abducted along Orlu Road on September 29, 2024.

The rescued victims, according to the release include Eze Okoro of Orlu LGA, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Nwosu, aged 44 and 31 respectively, both natives of Ohi in Mbaitolu LGA, as well as Bartholomew, a 56-year-old male from Benue State.

The Police Spokesperson revealed that as the security forces approached the hideout of the suspects, there was an exchange of gunfire as the suspects attacked the approaching security agencies but were effectively repelled, which led to the killing of one suspect, while others took to their heels into nearby bushes, sustaining varying degrees of injuries.

Okoye further revealed that the operation also led to the recovering of some items from the camp, which included a pump-action gun, ten live cartridges, four expended cartridges, four locally made explosives, a Biafra flag, a native bulletproof vest, two Highlander SUVs, an ash-colored Toyota Camry, and others.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, commended the operatives for their swift and effective action.

They also used the moment to urge the joint operatives to maintain their momentum in the continuous fight against crime in the State.