Anambra Police Arrest 7 Suspects, Rescue Kidnap Victim, Recover Stolen Tricycle

By Praise Chinecherem

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in separate operations across the state, including two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and five suspected armed robbers.

The operations also led to the rescue of a kidnap victim and the recovery of a stolen TVS tricycle, according to the command.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

Police Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers

Ikenga said operatives of the Anambra IGP’s Violent Crime Response Unit, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Victor Onwuka, also known as “Bugatti,” and 30-year-old Madukaife Chidiebere Kenechukwu.

The suspects were arrested in the early hours of August 16, 2026, at Akpukpokelemu Village, Nimo, in Njikoka Local Government Area.

According to the police, the suspects were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a victim who was held captive for three days in a criminal hideout.

“During the period of captivity, the kidnappers allegedly withdrew a total sum of ₦7 million from the victim’s bank accounts before fleeing with his Toyota Highlander SUV,” Ikenga stated.

He said the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement during interrogation and were subsequently identified by the victim.

The spokesperson added that the suspects were assisting the police with useful information to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate who remain at large.

Five Suspected Robbers Arrested, Tricycle Recovered

In a separate operation on September 15, 2026, operatives of the same unit arrested five suspects allegedly involved in the armed robbery and snatching of a TVS tricycle in Asaba, Delta State, in April 2026.

Ikenga said the operation was conducted based on open-source intelligence.

He disclosed that the arrest of the first suspect, 38-year-old Nwakpa Friday, led to the recovery of the stolen tricycle, with registration number ASB595VD, at Old Road, Nkpor.

Following the arrest, operatives apprehended four other suspected members of the robbery syndicate.

They were identified as Sylvester Nteshi, 53; Nwuzor Livinus, 35; Mgbom Uche, 27; and Chiweuba Chukwudi, 42.

“The suspects and the recovered tricycle are currently in Police custody, while investigation is ongoing to establish the individual roles of the suspects and apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large,” Ikenga said.

Commissioner Commends Operatives

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, commended the operatives for their professionalism, intelligence-led approach and prompt response.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations, strategic deployment of technology and coordinated efforts to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other forms of violent crime across the state.

The police said investigations into the cases are ongoing.

The suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

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