Police Rescue 2 Kidnap Victims, Recover 15 Firearms In Ebonyi

Ebonyi State Police Command said its operatives in Ikwo Division on August 14, 2025, rescued two kidnap victims in an uncompleted building where the students were being held.

The state police commissioner, CP Anthonia Uche-Anya, made the disclosure while briefing journalists on the command’s achievements within the month of July and the early part of August 2025, as well as highlighting the command’s sustained efforts in combating crime and maintaining a safe environment for socio-economic growth in the state.

Uche-Anya maintained that the victims were rescued unhurt, while three suspects- James Nweke, Oliver Nwali, and Nwojiji Onyebuchi- were arrested adding that the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

She stated that the command recovered six vehicles, 15 assorted firearms, and 50 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, while also dislodging several criminal hideouts across the state within the period.

Between July and mid-August 2025, the Command recorded the following notable achievements: a total of 131 suspects (120 males and 11 females) were arrested for various offences.

“52 suspects have already been charged to court, while investigations are ongoing for the others who will soon be arraigned.”

She said that on the 28th July 2025, operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the hideout of hoodlums terrorising Umuogodo-Akpu Ngbo, Ohaukwu LGA.

“The operation led to the arrest of Icha Chidiebere, and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one Dakota vehicle, and a Lexus 330 SUV without registration number.

“Also on the 6th of August 2025, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad trailed a syndicate that specialised in robbing residents of Onueke of their motorcycles at gunpoint.

“This led to the arrest of Nwali Sunday and the recovery of one KC Sanyang motorcycle. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.”

CP Uche-Anya said that the command also arrested crisis instigators in Ihie/Ezza Ekembe Ivo local government area of the state, adding that the command’s proactive engagement with stakeholders helped prevent the Ihie/Ezza Ekembe crisis from escalating.

“On 14/08/2025, one Agboti Kingsley, hired as part of mercenaries to instigate crisis in Ekembe community, was arrested and is currently assisting the police with useful information,” she said.

She further stated that a murder suspect who was involved in the Ekoli Edda crisis was also arrested by men of the command, adding that the crisis led to the murder of one Udu Nnachi on 09/07/2025.

“Painstaking investigation by  operatives of the command attached to SWAT led to the arrest of the following persons; Amarachi Ude, Idika Ama Okoro, Sunday Ama Olughu, suspects will be arraigned upon conclusion of investigation.”

She said that the state being predominantly agrarian, often experiences recurring crises over land and boundary disputes during the farming season, arising from the struggle for arable land.

“In addressing these challenges, the Command has deployed early warning mechanisms to promptly detect and contain brewing disputes.

“We have also adopted a non-kinetic approach, engaging robustly with relevant stakeholders to ensure that differences are settled through civil dialogue rather than violence,” she said.