The police command in Imo, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, has rescued four kidnap victims and neutralised one suspect at Ezioha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

The command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri and made available to journalists on Friday.

Mr Okoye also disclosed that operatives from the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base) carried out the intelligence-led operation in collaboration with  military personnel.

According to him, the team successfully dismantled terrorists and a kidnapping syndicate, suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed group, the Eastern Security Network during the operation.

“The operation led to the neutralisation of one suspected terrorist and the rescue of four individuals abducted along Orlu Road on September 29.

“The victims include Eze Okoro of Orlu LGA, Mr and Mrs Anthony Nwosu, aged 44 and 31, both natives of Ohii in Owerri West LGA, as well as Bartholomew, 56-year-old from Benue.

“As security forces approached the hideout, the suspects opened fire but were effectively repelled, resulting in the neutralisation of one of them.

“Others fled into nearby bushes with varying degrees of injuries,” the police spokesman stated.

He added that items recovered from the camp included a pump-action gun, ten live cartridges, four expended cartridges, four locally-made explosives and a Biafran flag.

He further explained that a native bulletproof vest, two Highlander Sport Utility Vehicles, an ash-coloured Toyota Camry, and various criminal charms were also recovered from the camp.

Mr Okoye also stated that operations were underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

“This feat underscores the command’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to reduce crime to its barest minimum in the state,” he stated.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, and the commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, commended the operatives for their swift and effective action.

“They urge the joint operatives to maintain their momentum in the continuous fight against crime in the state,” he stated. 

(NAN)