Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to 3-3 Police Station, in collaboration with the Agunechemba Security Unit, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, have recovered a snatched Toyota Highlander SUV belonging to a kidnap and armed robbery victim and arrested a female accomplice in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The arrest, which took place in the early hours of October 27, 2025, followed a coordinated security operation led by the Joint Security Team in response to a distress report.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was ambushed by a five-man armed gang operating in a Toyota Corolla at the Nkwelle GRA Gate. The assailants reportedly forced the victim into the boot of his own vehicle and drove him into a bush path in Umuoji town.
While in captivity, the suspects dispossessed the victim of his mobile phone and allegedly transferred ₦24 million from his bank account before abandoning him and escaping with the SUV.
Acting on credible intelligence and advanced technological tracking, the Joint Security Team traced the suspects’ movements from Nawfia to Ogidi. On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums opened fire, prompting a gun duel before they fled the scene.
The team successfully recovered the white Toyota Highlander with registration number RBC 649 CN and arrested one Okonkwo Onyinye (23 years old), identified as a female accomplice in the criminal operation. She is currently in custody and providing useful information to aid in the arrest of other fleeing suspects.
SP Ikenga noted that the Police Command has intensified security operations and patrols across the state ahead of the Anambra Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, to ensure public safety and restore confidence among residents.
“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to protect lives and property and will continue to leverage intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks across the state,” SP Ikenga stated.
Further updates, the statement added, will be made public as investigations progress.