Two police officers and three kidnappers were killed following a shootout with a kidnap syndicate in the Orogwe area of Owerri West Local Government Area in Imo State.
The operation was carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, according to a statement from the State Police Command Spokesperson, Henry Okoye, which was shared on Wednesday.
The operation led to the deaths of three suspects, with six AK-47 rifles and 131 rounds of live ammunition recovered. Additionally, two suspects, David Ifeanyichukwu (20) and Abuchi Joseph (24), were apprehended.
These individuals were involved in kidnapping and armed robbery.
Okoye confirmed that the gang had been responsible for the abduction of Osuji Caleb Chimereze and three others on November 12, 2024, during which they stole a Mercedes Benz and other valuables.
The police spokesperson explained that the operation was the result of “extensive investigation and intelligence gathering.”
He added that the gang had used the stolen vehicles in their criminal activities, including further kidnappings.
However, Okoye also reported that two police officers were injured in the exchange of fire and later died from their injuries.
In a similar incident, earlier reports revealed that operatives from the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team in the Delta State Police Command neutralized two suspected kidnappers at their hideouts along Ewheru-Patani Road in Ughelli Local Government Area.
The operatives, acting on “credible intelligence,” stormed the criminals’ hideouts on October 28 at around 19:48. During the operation, the team was ambushed, leading to a fierce gun battle in which two of the criminals sustained bullet injuries.
