Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Umuahia and successfully rescued a 46-year-old victim, recovering ₦830,000 allegedly paid as ransom during the operation.
According to the Command, the suspect, identified as Ibrahim Audu, 42, was apprehended during a targeted operation carried out by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in a forest hideout in Old Umuahia, Abia State.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the operation followed credible intelligence that led officers to the Ogwashi Forest, believed to be a base for kidnapping activities.
She explained that the operatives encountered armed resistance but were able to overpower the suspects.
“Acting on actionable intelligence, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) stormed the Ogwashi Forest in Old Umuahia, suspected to be a hideout for kidnappers,” the statement read.
“During the operation, the operatives were engaged by the kidnappers in a confrontation. However, the criminals fled the scene following superior firepower from the police team.”
The police confirmed that the victim, Onyebuchi Nwaoha, 46, was rescued unharmed, while the ransom money collected from the victim’s family was recovered at the scene.
The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes across the state.
“We remain fully committed to the protection of lives and property. Security is a collective responsibility, and we urge residents to support the police with timely and credible information,” he said.
The Command added that investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other members of the fleeing gang believed to be operating within the area.
Police authorities also urged residents of Umuahia and other parts of Abia State to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
