Anambra: Kidnappers abandon victim, escape at Police checkpoint

The Anambra State Police Command has successfully foiled an alleged attempted kidnapping and saved a 16-year-old kidnapped person, Favour Ayogu, at Ekene Junction, on Oguta Road, Onitsha, which is the business capital of Anambra State.

As it was gathered, the victim was alleged to have been kidnapped at Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State by kidnappers and was later released when they got close to the security checkpoint in Onitsha.

In a statement released on Monday, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the rescue of the victim followed improved strategic joint security operations conducted on Sunday night.

Ikenga said the abductors abandoned their victim and fled after a hot chase by security operatives who had earlier suspected their movements.

According to him, the command has intensified surveillance to apprehend the suspected abductors while seeking the public’s assistance to reunite the victim with his family in Enugu State.

The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command has intensified efforts to apprehend a suspected criminal gang following the rescue of a 16-year-old boy, Favour Ayogu, who was allegedly abducted in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State and later abandoned near a security checkpoint in Onitsha.

“The rescue followed improved strategic joint security operations conducted on the evening of September 13, 2026.

“A joint patrol team operating at Ekene Junction along Oguta Road, Onitsha, intercepted the victim after he was reportedly dropped from a black Toyota Highlander SUV by unidentified persons close to the security checkpoint.

“The swift response of the joint patrol team led to the boy’s rescue and prevented further harm. The Command has since stepped up surveillance and other intelligence-led measures to identify, trace, and arrest those responsible for the alleged abduction.

“The Anambra State Police Command appeals to members of the public, particularly residents of Igboeze South and Ibagwa-Aka in Enugu State, who may have information that could assist in locating the victim’s family, to contact the nearest Police Station or the Anambra State Police Command.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Nnanna Ama, commended the joint patrol team for its vigilance and professionalism.

Ama further urged personnel to sustain intelligence-led patrols, strategic checkpoints and coordinated security operations across the state.

“The Command reassures residents and visitors of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, responding swiftly to distress situations, and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in Anambra State,” the statement added.