The Police Command in Anambra has rescued a kidnapped Catholic priest and three other hostages unhurt through the efforts of its special squad team.
DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, made the disclosure in a statement signed and made available to reporters in Awka on Saturday.
Mr Ikenga said the rescue was activated by its team, Forward Operating Base (FOB), comprising military and paramilitary services based in Aguata and supported by Police Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu.
He said in a well coordinated operation, the team stormed insurgents’ camp at Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area and rescued the victims.
The statement said three suspects were arrested during the operation, nine vehicles and three Pump Action guns, stolen camouflage uniforms and Biafra flag were recovered.
Mr Ikenga said that several phones, flash drives and Sim cards, which could aid investigation and prosecution of the offenders, were also found.
He said that the gang had been responsible for spate of abductions in Orumba North and South as well as parts of Aguata council area in recent times.
He said the abducted victims were all kidnapped in October, stating that the raid on the insurgents’ camp followed months of diligent, painstaking intelligence gathering and investigation which led to uncovering the criminals’ hideout.
The PPRO noted further that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, ordered and coordinated the operation, praising all the service personnel and vigilantes for their professionalism and ensuring that no life was lost.
The statement noted the commendation of the operatives by Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra and his assurance to continue to support all services involved in joint security operations across the state.