The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the death of one of its officers and injuries to two others after a violent shootout with suspected kidnappers in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.
State Police Commissioner CP Ikioye Orutugu revealed during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Amawbia, Awka South, that Police operatives successfully rescued four kidnapped individuals, including the Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor, after an intense tactical operation on May 10, 2026.
The victims had been held for three days before security forces stormed the kidnappers’ hideout, resulting in heavy gunfire.
The operation neutralized two suspected kidnappers and led to the recovery of several firearms, ammunition, and vehicles, including a locally made pistol, 100 rounds of General Purpose Machine Gun ammunition, 23 spent rounds, and three vehicles one being a silver Lexus RX 350 belonging to a rescued victim.
“The officer paid the supreme sacrifice in active service to the nation. The command honors his courage, gallantry, and dedication,” Orutugu said. The State government has pledged support for the family of the deceased officer and will cover the medical expenses of the injured personnel.
In addition, police had to secure the rescue site after angry residents attempted to set the building ablaze.
Orutugu also highlighted other recent operations, including a May 7 raid in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South, targeting suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group.
The raid resulted in the recovery of multiple weapons, including a General Purpose Machine Gun with 2,000 rounds, two fabricated rocket launchers, 10 improvised explosive devices, a locally made Beretta pistol, and three hand grenades.
Separately, the command arrested a suspected cultist, Favour Izunna (aka “Njoku”), linked to multiple killings in Obosi and nearby communities, and a female suspect, Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu, involved in child trafficking in Aguata, rescuing 12 children aged between one and 20.
The police also confirmed five remands over alleged sexual offenses, including a father accused of abusing his biological daughter in Oko.
Orutugu concluded by reaffirming the police command’s commitment to combating kidnapping, cultism, child trafficking, and violent crime throughout Anambra State.
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