Suspected kidnapper shot dead in exchange of firearms with Policemen
Suspected kidnapper shot dead in exchange of firearms with Policemen
An alleged member of a kidnap syndicate was killed in a gun battle with a joint anti-crime unit from the Anambra State Police Command on Friday night.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. along the Agulu-Nnobi Road in Anaocha Local Government Area.
The suspect was fatally shot during a firefight with the security team, which included officers from the Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG) and was escorting a VIP at the time.
According to the police, the gang, traveling in two SUVs, engaged the security team in a fierce shootout.
The vehicles were identified as a grey Lexus ES330 (registration ACA 551 MA) and an ash-colored Toyota Highlander (registration SMK 544).
The security personnel were able to overpower the attackers, killing one and recovering significant evidence: a pump-action shotgun, five live cartridges, five machetes, the two SUVs, and two pairs of desert boots. Several gang members, however, managed to flee into nearby bushes, wounded by gunfire.
In the aftermath, police operations have continued in the area in an effort to track down the remaining criminals.
The police are urging local residents to come forward with any information that could assist in apprehending the fugitives.
In a separate operation, a joint security team attached to the Dunukofia Police Division successfully rescued two kidnapping victims in the Ukwulu community of Idemili North Local Government Area.
The victims had been abducted earlier that day, around 7:00 a.m., along the Ugwunwasike-Ogidi Road.
While the police managed to free the captives, one of the victims, who had been shot during the abduction when the kidnappers realized they were being pursued, later died from his injuries at a hospital.
The kidnappers, realizing they were being followed, abandoned the victims and their vehicle, fleeing the scene.
Police recovered the suspects’ vehicle and are continuing efforts to locate the fleeing criminals, who will face justice once apprehended.
