Anambra Police-led operatives rescued a kidnapped woman and killed an armed suspect during a shootout.
The encounter happened in Amaokpala, with weapons and incriminating items recovered at the scene.
A joint security team led by the Nigeria Police Force in Aguata, Anambra State, has rescued a 26-year-old female kidnap victim and neutralized one armed suspect during a gunfight with hoodlums on the night of Saturday, July 12, 2025.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the encounter took place during a routine night patrol around Amaokpala, carried out by operatives from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Aguata. The patrol team reportedly came under sudden attack from a gang of armed criminals, prompting a gun duel that lasted for approximately 40 minutes.
During the exchange, one of the suspects was shot and later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital. His remains have been deposited in the mortuary. The operatives also succeeded in rescuing the female victim, who has since received medical attention and is set to reunite with her family.
Items recovered from the scene include a pump-action rifle, 11 live cartridges, an ash-colored Toyota Camry with registration number Lagos-EPE-208-FK, a police belt, a carton of Chelsea sachet alcoholic drink, a Zenith Bank ATM card, an axe, a Tecno mobile phone, a packet of cigarettes, assorted charms, and a cash sum of ₦2,700.
Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, praised their bravery and reassured the public of the command’s dedication to flushing out criminals and maintaining law and order across the state.
The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies to ensure the safety and security of all communities within Anambra.
