A police operative was killed while two others sustained gunshot injuries during a fierce exchange of gunfire between operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and suspected kidnappers in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the state police headquarters in Awka.
According to him, the operation led to the rescue of four kidnap victims, including the Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor, after security operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout on May 10, 2026.
Orutugu said the victims had spent three days in captivity before the tactical rescue operation was launched in Obosi, resulting in an intense gun duel between the suspects and security operatives.
The police commissioner revealed that two suspected kidnappers were neutralised during the operation, while arms, ammunition and vehicles linked to the gang were recovered.
Items recovered, according to him, included one locally made pistol, 100 rounds of live General Purpose Machine Gun ammunition, 23 expended rounds and three vehicles, among them a silver Lexus RX 350 belonging to one of the rescued victims.
The CP, however, lamented the death of one police operative during the operation, while two others were injured and are currently receiving treatment.
“The officer paid the supreme sacrifice in active service to the nation. The command honours his courage, gallantry and dedication to duty,” he said.
He added that the state government had pledged support for the family of the deceased officer and promised to offset the medical expenses of the injured personnel.
Orutugu also disclosed that police operatives later secured the building where the victims were rescued after some angry residents attempted to burn down the property.
He maintained that buildings linked to criminal activities should not be destroyed but converted into police stations or accommodation for officers.
Highlighting other security operations carried out by the command, the commissioner identified attempts by fleeing criminal suspects to regroup as a growing challenge confronting security agencies in the state.
He said, “Operatives on May 7 carried out strategic clearance operations in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South LGA following intelligence reports that suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group were attempting to regroup.
“One Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, aged 37, identified as a suspected top commander of the outlawed group, had earlier been arrested.
“Security operatives recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun with about 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 improvised explosive devices, one locally made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns and three hand grenades during the raid.
“Other items recovered included 10 rounds of K2 live ammunition, a gas cylinder and a black Ecolac box.
“The operatives also dislodged the armed criminals and sustained operational dominance in the area to prevent any regrouping.
“The police command also announced the arrest of a suspected cultist, Favour Izunna, alias Njoku, aged 22, alleged to be a member of the Vikings Confraternity.”
The commissioner alleged that the suspect confessed to involvement in several killings in Obosi and neighbouring communities, including the deaths of Emeka Chukwuka and Chinelo Onyeka.
According to the police, the suspect’s arrest led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, one locally made Beretta pistol and five rounds of 7.5mm live ammunition.