RismadarVoice Reporters
January 16, 2026
The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim during a routine visibility patrol around the Isulo axis of Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.
The victim, said to be a South Africa-based Nigerian and a native of Obinagu–Isikweachi in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, was reportedly abducted on January 1, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the victim was rescued by police-led joint security operatives attached to the Forward Operating Base, Aguata, in the early hours of Thursday.
According to Ikenga, the victim disclosed that he was abducted from his hometown by a gang of six armed men who allegedly covered their faces with masks.
The statement read in part, “Police-led joint security operatives attached to the Forward Operating Base, Aguata, in the early hours of January 15, 2026, while on routine visibility patrol around the Isulo axis of Orumba South Local Government Area, Anambra State, successfully rescued a kidnapped victim.
“The victim disclosed that he is a Nigerian citizen and a native of Obinagu–Isikweachi, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, but currently based in South Africa. He was abducted on January 1, 2026, in the evening hours from his hometown by a gang of six armed men who reportedly covered their faces with masks.”
Ikenga added that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of ₦40 million from the victim’s wife and relatives.
However, the victim reportedly escaped from the kidnappers’ den, leading to his eventual rescue by the joint security operatives.
Following his rescue, Ikenga said the victim was properly debriefed and has since been reunited with his family.
He added that operatives are currently acting on actionable intelligence provided by the victim to identify, dismantle the criminal hideout in the area, arrest those responsible.
“The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to sustaining proactive policing in the state. Further developments shall be communicated,” Ikenga said.
Meanwhile, the command has also recorded another operational breakthrough with the arrest of two suspected armed robbers linked to a proscribed secessionist group after a two-hour gun battle at Enugwu-Agidi Junction in Dunukofia Local Government Area.
Ikenga said the suspects were arrested in the early hours of Wednesday following a gun duel with a five-man robbery gang, describing the arrest as part of the command’s sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.
