Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested two suspects linked to a kidnapping syndicate terrorizing the Umudioka community in Dunukofia Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Onele Solomon a.k.a. Federal and Simeon Chidera a.k.a. Chaplet, both 23 years old, were apprehended in the early hours of Tuesday, June 25. They are accused of being part of a gang responsible for a recent case involving kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted murder.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the gang lured unsuspecting victims under the pretense of land sales. In the specific incident under investigation, which occurred on May 31, 2025, the two suspects allegedly abducted a victim, dispossessed him of his belongings, and inflicted life-threatening machete wounds before detaining him in a criminal hideout.
The suspects reportedly demanded ransom from the victim’s family and friends. However, the victim managed to escape from captivity and was subsequently rescued and debriefed by the police.
Following confessions obtained from the arrested suspects, police operatives have launched a manhunt for the remaining members of the gang, with a view to dismantling the entire criminal network operating in the area.
The Anambra State Police Command has reassured residents of its continued commitment to public safety and urged anyone with useful information to assist with the ongoing investigation.