Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime, rescuing a kidnapping victim and arresting seven suspects in two separate intelligence-led operations that dismantled a kidnapping syndicate and an armed robbery network operating across state lines. The operations, which unfolded between August and September 2026, led to the recovery of a stolen tricycle and the confessions of suspects who are now cooperating with investigators to track down their fleeing accomplices.
The first operation began in the early hours of August 16, 2026, when operatives of the Anambra IGP's Violent Crime Response Unit, acting on credible intelligence, stormed Akpukpokelemu Village in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area. There, they arrested 30-year-old Victor Onwuka, also known as "Bugatti," and his accomplice, Madukaife Chidiebere Kenechukwu. The two men were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a victim who was held captive for three days in a criminal hideout. During that period, the kidnappers allegedly withdrew a total of N7 million from the victim's bank accounts before fleeing with his Toyota Highlander SUV.
The victim, who survived the ordeal, was rescued and has since identified both suspects. During interrogation, Onwuka and Kenechukwu reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crime. They are now assisting the police with information aimed at identifying and arresting other members of the syndicate who remain at large. The police statement did not disclose the identity of the victim or the exact location where he was held, but confirmed that the rescue was successful and the suspects are in custody.
The second operation, carried out on September 15, 2026, targeted a separate criminal network specialising in armed robbery and vehicle snatching. Acting on open-source intelligence, the same operatives arrested 38-year-old Nwakpa Friday and recovered a stolen TVS tricycle with registration number ASB595VD at Old Road, Nkpor. The tricycle had been snatched by armed men in April 2026 in Asaba, Delta State, and moved across state lines to Anambra.
Following Friday's arrest, operatives apprehended four other suspected members of the robbery syndicate. They were identified as Sylvester Nteshi, 53; Nwuzor Livinus, 35; Mgbom Uche, 27; and Chiweuba Chukwudi, 42. The suspects and the recovered tricycle are currently in police custody, while investigation is ongoing to establish the individual roles of each suspect and to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the operatives for their professionalism, intelligence-led approach and prompt response. He 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.
The arrests represent a significant victory for the Anambra State Police Command, which has faced criticism in the past for its handling of kidnapping and armed robbery cases. The successful rescue of the kidnapping victim and the recovery of the stolen tricycle demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing and inter-state cooperation. The police have assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will face the full weight of the law. The suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
For the victim of the kidnapping, the rescue brings an end to a harrowing three-day ordeal that saw him stripped of his vehicle and millions of naira. For the people of Anambra State, the operations send a clear message that the police are willing and able to confront the criminal networks that have long terrorised communities across the South-East. The coming weeks will determine whether the arrests lead to the dismantling of the wider syndicates and whether the recovered tricycle finds its way back to its rightful owner in Delta State.
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