A yet-to-be-named kidnapped Catholic priest and three other hostages have been rescued unhurt by the police special squad team in Anambra State.
Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Awka on Saturday.
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 that the team stormed insurgents’ camp at Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area in a well coordinated operation leading to the rescue of the victims.
The police image maker further disclosed that three suspects were arrested during the operation.
Nine vehicles and three Pump Action guns, stolen camouflage uniforms and Biafra flag were also recovered from the hoodlums.
Ikenga said that several phones, flash drives and Sim cards, which could aid comprehensive investigation and prosecution of the offenders were also found in them.
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, Mr Aderemi Adeoye, ordered and coordinated the operation, praised all the service personnel and vigilante men involved for their professionalism which ensured no life was lost.
The statement noted the commendation of the operatives by Prof. Charles Soludo, Anambra Governor and his assurance to continue to support all services involved in joint security operations across the state.