The police command in Anambra State has rescued two kidnap victims, arrested three suspects, and recovered 14 pump-action guns in operations across the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated this in a statement in Awka on Saturday.

Mr Ikenga said that the command intensified operations to provide a safe environment for residents and visitors during Easter and beyond.

Extending Easter greetings, the command noted that it increased security patrols to ensure safety across the state.

Mr Ikenga stated that during one operation, officers rescued two kidnap victims, arrested a notorious cultist, and recovered seven pump-action guns.

He added that seven live cartridges, three handcuffs, a cutlass, an axe, a dagger, and other items were also recovered.

On April 18, a joint team from Uli Police Division and Uli Vigilantes rescued two kidnap victims in Ihiala.

On Sunday, April 13, armed men attacked Amorka Village, Uli, at 2:00 p.m., abducting victims along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.

The criminals forced the victims into another vehicle, abandoning the original one at the scene of the crime.

The police recovered the abandoned vehicle and took it to the station for safekeeping.

Mr Ikenga confirmed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Similarly, police from Fegge Division, Onitsha South LGA, intercepted a parked bus along Port Harcourt Road, Upper Iweka.

During a search, officers found five pump-action guns, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs hidden in a bag of rice.

The police said that arms and vehicles were recovered, and investigations were underway to identify those responsible.

On April 17, the Rapid Response Squad arrested a 25-year-old male suspect acting on credible intelligence.

During the arrest at Ezeigwe Street, Nkpor, officers recovered two pump-action guns, two cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, and a dagger.

He stated that the suspect confessed to being part of the Viking’s Confraternity and assisting police in locating other members.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and security conscious.

The commissioner also encouraged people to emulate Christ’s humility and selflessness during and after Easter.

He urged residents to use the Easter period to pray for peace and security in the state and across Nigeria.

(NAN)