Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Dr Edwin Emegakor, the Medical Director of Crown Multi‑Specialist Hospital in Nkpor, Anambra State, was abducted on Thursday, May 7, 2026, shortly after attending to a patient. The gunmen, who operated openly, wore a mix of military and police uniforms to blend in. They bundled him into a waiting vehicle and sped away.
The abduction triggered an immediate crisis. Hours later, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) issued a 48‑hour ultimatum: if Dr Emegakor was not freed, all doctors in Anambra would down tools. The threat of a total healthcare shutdown added intense pressure on the authorities.
Police operatives from the Rapid Response/Anti‑Kidnap Squad, Awkuzu Unit, launched a frantic search. For three days, they worked on multiple leads, tracking the kidnappers across the state. By the early hours of Sunday, May 10, 2026, the net had tightened around a hideout in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
When the tactical team stormed the building, a fierce gun battle erupted. The kidnappers fought back with a General Purpose Machine Gun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Two of the suspects were gunned down on the spot. The police later recovered 100 GPMG ammunition, 23 expended cartridges, one locally made pistol, and three vehicles – including a silver Lexus RX 350 that belonged to one of the rescued victims and others the gang had stolen.
But the victory came at a cost. One police officer was shot dead during the exchange. Two others sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospital. “Regrettably, the Command recorded one fatal injury to a Police personnel during the exchange of gunfire. The officer paid the supreme sacrifice in active service to the nation,” said the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu.
Inside the Obosi building, the police found five victims – Dr Emegakor and four other kidnapped individuals. The doctor was in stable condition and was immediately reunited with his family. Following the rescue, angry residents of Mgbuka‑Obosi stormed the building and set it ablaze. A shrine was discovered inside the compound, fuelling further outrage. Residents called on the government to demolish the property.
News of the rescue reached the NMA in Awka on Sunday. Dr Princeton Okam, chairman of the Anambra branch, announced that the planned strike had been suspended. “Our colleague has been rescued safely and reunited with his family,” he said. “He is healthy, in high spirits, and responding well after the traumatic experience”.
In a gesture of solidarity, the NMA visited the wounded officers in hospital and offered to pay their medical bills. The state government also promised to take care of the late officer’s family. On Wednesday, May 13, Commissioner Orutugu told a press conference in Awka that the rescue had been “made possible through intelligence‑led policing, operational resilience of officers, and actionable information from Ndi Anambra”. He also confirmed that two of the suspected kidnappers had been neutralised and that investigations were continuing to track down any remaining members of the gang.
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