How Imo State Security Forces Rescue Four Kidnapped Victims, Neutralize Suspect
By Peter Okolie
In a successful operation in Ezioha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, security forces in Imo State, including the Police and the Nigerian Army, rescued four individuals who had been kidnapped. One suspect was also eliminated during the mission.
The operation was executed by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base) in coordination with military personnel. ASP Henry Okoye, the spokesperson for the Police Command, confirmed the details in a statement issued on Friday in Owerri.
Okoye noted that the joint forces dismantled a kidnapping ring believed to be associated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed faction, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“Based on actionable intelligence, our operation led to the neutralization of one suspected terrorist and the rescue of four victims who were abducted along Orlu Road on September 29,” Okoye explained. The rescued individuals included Eze Okoro from Orlu LGA, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Nwosu, aged 44 and 31 from Ohii in Owerri West LGA, and 56-year-old Bartholomew from Benue State.
As the security forces approached the suspects’ hideout, they were met with gunfire. The operatives managed to repel the attackers, resulting in one suspect being neutralized, while others fled into nearby bushes, sustaining injuries.
Items recovered from the scene included a pump-action shotgun, ten live cartridges, four spent cartridges, four homemade explosives, and a Biafran flag. Additional confiscated items comprised a native bulletproof vest, two Highlander SUVs, an ash-colored Toyota Camry, and various criminal charms.
Okoye emphasized that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects who escaped. “This operation underscores our commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to combat crime in Imo State,” he remarked.
Both the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade in Obinze praised the operatives for their prompt actions and urged them to maintain their efforts against cr
ime in the region.
