Security operatives kill four suspected kidnappers, arrest others in Anambra

Security operatives in Anambra State have killed four suspected members of a deadly gang of kidnappers, who specialize in terrorizing motorists along Nkpor-Umuoji-Ideani road in the state.

The road had recently been declared unsafe, with many residents of the state, issuing travel advisory against using the road from 6pm.

The armed robbery and kidnap gang was said to have been confronted on Sunday, after several complaints were made to the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, about the condition of the area.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime, who disclosed the killing of the suspects, said the governor gave a mandate to security operatives, including the police and local vigilante, to dislodge the suspects.

Aburime said: “Following the mandate and declaration by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, to rid Anambra State of all criminal elements, the Anambra State Security Forces on Sunday the 7th of May, 2023 effectively neutralized a deadly gang of kidnappers terrorizing innocent citizens along the Nkpor-Umuoji-Ideani road.

“The gang of kidnappers, who had hitherto terrorized innocent citizens along that axis, paid dearly with their lives when security forces, acting on intelligence report, swooped on the areas and engaged them in an intense gun battle.

“Four of the deadly criminals were despatched to the great beyond, while other members of the gang were arrested.”

He said those arrested were already in police net, and have been helping with information on their operations.

Aburime quoted the governor as reiterating his order for all criminal elements in the state to be routed out, while assuring citizens of the state of safety.