Ebonyi Police Foil Robberies, Rescue Kidnap Victim

The Ebonyi State Police Command has announced a major string of successes in its ongoing campaign against criminal elements, confirming that it has foiled an armed robbery operation, neutralized a suspect, rescued a kidnapped victim, and arrested three individuals believed to be part of a criminal syndicate. The achievements underscore the Command’s commitment to securing the lives and property of residents across the state.

Details of the operations were provided in a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu. The first incident, an armed robbery attempt, occurred on November 12, 2025. Operatives of the Command, while conducting a routine patrol along the Ehamufu–Nkalagu Road, encountered a volatile situation after hearing sporadic gunshots and distress screams. The police officers swiftly mobilized to the location, where they found one Ali Solomon struggling fiercely with three armed robbers who were attempting to dispossess him of his motorcycle. Upon realizing the police presence, the hoodlums immediately opened fire and attempted to flee the scene. The responsive operatives returned fire, effectively neutralizing one of the suspects. Following the exchange, the police recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with ten rounds of live ammunition from the neutralized criminal, preventing further harm and recovering the victim’s property.

The Command reported a second significant breakthrough on November 13, 2025, involving a kidnapping syndicate that had been terrorizing the Ezzangbo axis in Ohaukwu Local Government Area. The criminals had abducted one Obasi ThankGod, subjecting him to confinement while demanding a substantial ransom of Five Million Naira (₦5,000,000). In an unusual and alarming move, the kidnappers tied up their victim and abandoned him inside a hotel toilet while they went to continue their criminal activity and coordinate the ransom payment. Through diligent and systematic intelligence gathering, operatives of the Command were able to trace the hideout of the kidnappers. The swift response led to the successful rescue of the victim, Obasi ThankGod, who was found alive, and the simultaneous arrest of three suspects involved in the operation.

The arrested individuals were identified in the statement as Uchenna Ogbozuru, Ebuka Ejiogu, and Chizoba Idenyi Ogwa. The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation, and the Command confirmed they will be formally charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation into their activities.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, used the successful operations to reiterate the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents, sending a clear message that criminal elements will find “no hiding place” within Ebonyi State. She also extended her sincere appreciation to the people of Ebonyi State for their continuous support and cooperation, specifically highlighting the crucial role of “timely and credible information” in enabling the Command to effectively fulfill its mandate and execute these successful interventions against violent crime.