The kidnapped victims were said to have been tied to the pillars by the kidnappers and kept incommunicado in the compound for weeks without food.
The Anambra State police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the victims were rescued when police operatives from Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on credible information, stormed the compound on Saturday.
The compound was said to belong to the leader of the notorious kidnap gang, identified as Onyeka Aduba alias “Totoritor”.
Ikenga said the police operatives stormed the compound following the confessions made by the notorious gang leader, who was arrested earlier and had been in police custody.
He said, “On 14/07/2023 at about 4 pm, police operatives from Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on credible information stormed the compound of one Onyeka Aduba alias “Totoritor” at Umuohi Village, Okija and rescued three abducted citizens chained to building pillars by insurgents.
“Two suspects, namely, Okika Chukwujekwu ‘M’ aged 31 years, and Sylvester Okorie Ikwuanusi ‘M’ aged 55 years were arrested for interrogation.
“The feat followed the confession made by the notorious gang leader, popularly known as ‘Totoritor’ who was arrested earlier and had been in police custody.
“He was positively identified on 6/7/2023 by a victim with a gunshot injury before he was arrested.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the rescued persons have been kept incommunicado and chained to pillars in the above-mentioned compound for weeks before their rescue.
“Efforts are ongoing to arrest the other fleeing members of the gang.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has urged the good people of Anambra State to disregard propaganda by outlawed groups and continue to partner with the Police and other security agencies in the State to restore peace to Anambra state.”
CP Adeoye enjoined Ndi Anambra to remain security conscious and sustain the support to the police by providing timely information.
He urged the public to report suspicious persons and unusual movements they may observe to the nearest police station or through the command emergency number 112 or call 07039194332 for a prompt response.
“The ‘NPF rescue me app’ is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS, for Android and iPhone users respectively,” he added.
