A Police-led Joint Security Team under the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Aguata has successfully rescued a kidnapped 26-year-old female victim and neutralized one armed suspect during a fierce gun duel with hoodlums in the Amaokpala area of Anambra State.
The encounter occurred during a late-night patrol on July 12, 2025, when the patrol team came under attack by suspected kidnappers. According to the Anambra State Police Command, the hoodlums opened fire upon sighting the security operatives, prompting a tactical response that resulted in a 40-minute shootout.
One of the armed suspects was fatally wounded in the exchange and was later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital, where his body has been deposited in the morgue. The police team recovered a range of items at the scene, including one pump-action rifle, eleven live cartridges, an ash-coloured Toyota Camry (Reg. No. EPE-208-FK), a police belt, an axe, charms, a Tecno mobile phone, an ATM card, a carton of Chelsea sachet alcoholic drinks, a packet of cigarettes, and ₦2,700 in cash.
The rescued victim has since been debriefed and given medical attention, with plans underway to reunite her safely with her family.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, praised the gallantry and professionalism of the operatives involved. He reiterated the Command’s determination to flush out criminal elements and ensure that Anambra remains hostile territory for criminal activity.