Kidnappers abandon victim, flee at police checkpoint in Anambra - Punch Newspapers
The Anambra State Police Command has foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt and rescued a 16-year-old victim, Favour Ayogu, at Ekene Junction, along Oguta Road, Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state. PUNCH Online gathered that the victim was allegedly abducted in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State by a kidnap syndicate and later abandoned when the abductors approached a security checkpoint in Onitsha after security operatives thwarted their moves. 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. Remi Tinubu donates ₦5m to support Anambra farmers under RHI LG polls: Enugu electoral body declares 90% readiness ahead of September 26 Police arrest mother in Anambra for burning daughter with hot knife “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. Ikenna Obianeri Ikenna Obianeri is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 10 years of experience in reporting and storytelling. He conducts incisive interviews, covers crime and environmental issues, and produces engaging feature stories tailored for digital audiences. Ikenna’s work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to impactful, audience-focused journalism
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