JSF kills suspected kidnapper, rescues victim in Anambra

By Obinna Unaeze

The Police -led Joint Security Force (JSF) in Anambra has killed a suspected kidnapper and rescued a 26-year-old female victim while on a night visibility patrol around Amaokpala,
in Aguata LGA of the state.

The suspect was allegedly kidnapped in Orumba-North Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Awka.

Ikenga said that the incident occurred late on Saturday at Amaokpala, Orumba-North LGA of the state, where the JSF engaged the armed hoodlums in a gun duel.

“In the late hours of July 12, operatives of the Police-led JSF from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Aguata LGA, while on a night visibility patrol around Amaokpala, encountered a group of armed hoodlums and engaged them in a gun duel.

“During the operation, the operatives successfully rescued a 26-year-old female victim, neutralised one of the armed criminals,” he said.

He said that one pump-action gun, 11 live cartridges and one ash-coloured Toyota Camry Sedan with Reg. No: Lagos-EPE-208-FK were recovered from the criminals.

Other items recovered at the scene include one police belt, one carton of Chelsea sachet alcoholic drink, one Zenith Bank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, axe, Tecno mobile phone, one packet of cigarette, assorted charms and ₦2,700.

He explained that the suspects allegedly opened fire upon sighting the patrol team.

According to him, the operatives tactically returned fire, leading to a gun duel that lasted approximately 40 minutes.

One suspect was fatally wounded and later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital, where the body was deposited in the morgue for preservation.

Ikenga also said that the rescued victim has since been debriefed and provided with necessary medical attention, ahead of a safe reunion with her family.

He said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu has commended the gallant efforts of the operatives.

The police spokesman also reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to tackle all forms of criminality in the state.

(NAN)