The Anambra State Police Command has successfully rescued two young female victims and arrested four suspects involved in a kidnapping ring in the Idemili South Local Government Area. The operation, carried out by officers from the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters on November 27, 2024, followed the payment of a ransom of 200,000 Naira for the victims’ release.
At around 11:54 AM, police operatives apprehended 19-year-old Ifechukwu Ibesimako from Aboji Village, Oba, and three accomplices after rescuing the victims, aged between 15 and 19 years. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had lured the victims via social media by pretending to be friends, then holding them hostage until their families paid a ransom.
The arrest also led to the discovery of other criminal activities, including the revelation of another victim who had been previously kidnapped and released after a ransom was paid months ago.
In response to the growing concerns, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, warned young people to exercise caution when interacting with strangers on social media. He ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the Anti-Kidnapping/Robbery squad for further investigation.
