The Anambra State Police Command has rescued two teenage girls and arrested four suspects involved in their abduction.
The police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed this in a statement on Wednesday. The operation was carried out by officers from the Oba Police Division in Idemili South Local Government Area after a ransom of N200,000 had been paid for the victims’ release.
Ikenga said, “Police operatives attached to the Oba Police Division on November 27, 2024, by 11:54 am, arrested one notorious kidnapper and three accomplices after a ransom of two hundred thousand Naira was paid for the release of the victims in captivity. The operatives also rescued two female victims between the ages of 15 and 19 years.”
According to the police, the suspects lured their victims through social media, pretending to form friendships before kidnapping them. They would then demand ransom from the victims’ families.
“One of the suspects, 19-year-old Ifechukwu Ibesimako of Aboji Village Oba, and three accomplices, were involved in these crimes. Preliminary investigations also revealed details about another female victim who paid ransom and was released months ago,” Ikenga added.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the Anti-Kidnapping and Robbery Squad for further investigation. He also warned young people to be cautious about interactions on social media.
