The Anambra State Police Command has recorded major operational successes in its ongoing campaign against criminal elements, with the arrest of a notorious separatist leader, the rescue of three kidnapped victims, and the recovery of arms and incriminating items in separate operations across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operations were carried out under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu.
In the early hours of July 15, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad apprehended Gospel Ozioma Nneto, alias “OZ,” a 31-year-old suspected terrorist and leading figure of a proscribed armed separatist group.
Nneto, also described as a known kidnapper and armed robber, was arrested during a sting operation. During preliminary interrogation, he confessed to being a photographer for the group and identified their base as “Mother Valley,” located in the Orsumohu-Orsu axis.
In a separate operation, officers from the Nimo and Nteje Divisions, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, rescued three kidnapped victims in coordinated search-and-rescue missions. Two of the victims were found in a forested area between Oraukwu and Nimo communities, following actionable intelligence. The third victim was rescued during an earlier joint operation. Recovered from the scenes were one pump-action gun and a dagger.
Meanwhile, on the evening of July 14, operatives from Nteje Division thwarted an attempted attack by two armed suspects. A gun duel ensued, resulting in the neutralization of the hoodlums and the recovery of more weapons and incriminating materials.
Efforts are currently underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal groups involved in the incidents.