Police Kill Two Kidnappers, Rescue Four Victims In Imo

The Imo State Police Command has neutralized two suspected notorious armed robbers and Kidnapping syndicates in the state.

According to the Commands spokesperson Henry Okoye, the Commands Anti-Kidnapping unit on receipt of a distress call on Saturday on the abduction of four persons in Umuokanne, Ohaji Egbema local government area of the state located the criminal’s hideout and a gun duel between the police and the criminals led to the death of two of the suspect.

He revealed that four of the Kidnapped victims, Carolyn Didia (42), Ego Odu (48), Apollonia Ezekwe (40), and Godwin Ezekwe (37)—were successfully freed.

Also two of the victims sustained bullet injuries from the kidnappers bullet during the confrontation and has been rushed Oforola Health Centre for prompt treatment.

Okoye further revealed that items gotten from the criminals includes one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a magazine were recovered from the criminals.

He said: “Operatives of the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit have successfully neutralized two suspects and rescued four kidnapped victims from a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate operating within the state.

“The operation, which took place on January 4, 2025, began when a distress call was received at around 12:00 PM, reporting the abduction of three women and one man in Umuokanne, Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area.

“Acting swiftly on intelligence gathered, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit located the criminals’ hideout. Upon arrival, a gunfight ensued between the police operatives and the kidnappers.

“During the operation, two suspects were neutralized. The four victims—Carolyn Didia (42), Ego Odu (48), Apollonia Ezekwe (40), and Godwin Ezekwe (37)—were successfully freed.

In addition to rescuing the victims, the police recovered one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a magazine from the criminals.

“However, two of the rescued victims sustained gunshot wounds from the kidnappers’ bullets during the confrontation.

“They were promptly taken to Oforola Health Centre, where they are now stable and recovering well.”