Police Rescue Kidnap Victim, Kill Suspect in Fierce Gun Battle in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped woman, neutralised one suspected criminal, and recovered a cache of arms and incriminating items following a prolonged gun battle with armed hoodlums in the Amaokpala community, Aguata, Orumba Local Government Area.

The gunfight, which occurred late Saturday night, reportedly lasted over an hour before calm was restored to the area.

Police spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday. He said operatives of the police-led joint security force from the Forward Operating Base in Aguata encountered the criminals during a routine night visibility patrol.

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“In the late hours of July 12, 2025, our operatives engaged a group of armed hoodlums around Amaokpala. During the operation, a 26-year-old female kidnap victim was successfully rescued, one armed suspect was neutralised, and several dangerous items were recovered,” Ikenga stated.

Recovered items included a pump-action gun, 11 live cartridges, a Toyota Camry with Lagos registration EPE-208-FK, a police belt, an axe, charms, a small Tecno phone, one Zenith Bank ATM card, a carton of Chelsea sachet drinks, a packet of cigarettes, and N2,700 in cash.

Ikenga noted that the hoodlums opened fire on sighting the patrol team, prompting a tactical response that resulted in a 40-minute exchange of gunfire. The wounded suspect was later confirmed dead in hospital.

The rescued victim has since received medical attention and is being reunited with her family.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, praised the operatives’ gallantry and restated the Command’s firm resolve to rid Anambra of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.