The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Obono Itam, has announced the rescue of four children allegedly stolen from their parents in Bauchi State and sold to another family in Anambra,Daily Trust reports.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday at the police headquarters in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, the CP provided an update on the command’s activities in 2024. During the briefing, 13 suspects involved in various crimes, including murder and kidnapping, were paraded.
Obono revealed that four suspects, including an illegal foster mother, were arrested in connection with the case. The suspects reportedly confessed to their roles in the crime. He added that one of the rescued children had already been identified and assured that efforts were ongoing to reunite the children with their parents.
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The CP also recounted the successful dismantling of a criminal camp in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area, during a joint security operation in the early hours of December 24, 2024. The operation, led by the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the military, civil defense, and Anambra vigilante operatives, resulted in the destruction of makeshift structures within the camp, the recovery of 19 unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and injuries to fleeing suspects.
He stated that the operation was based on credible intelligence regarding the activities of the criminal gang and further information obtained during interrogations in ongoing police operations.
In another incident, Obono disclosed that police operatives from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Enugu-Ukwu arrested an 18-year-old suspect, Miracle Mwakalor, from Umubele Village, Awka South Local Government Area, on December 6. The operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle and a magazine during the operation.
He explained that the arrest followed credible intelligence about a planned attack in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area. Although Miracle’s gang members escaped during the raid, the suspect confessed to his crimes during interrogation. He subsequently led police to an apartment in Ubuofu, Awka, where the recovered rifle had been concealed in the roof.
