Joint security operatives working under operation Udo Ga Achi have arrested three kidnap suspects, including two a men and a woman.
A press statement by the state police command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga stated that the suspects were linked to the kidnap of a victim, in which N17million was paid by their victim to regain freedom.
The release however stated that though the two suspects were not directly linked, but while one is a native doctor who fortifies the criminals and keeps their operational weapons, the women among supplies the information with which the gang operates.
The press statement stated: “Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad/Anti-kidnapping Unit on 13th April 2025 arrested one Celestine Onuyia ‘M’ aged 52 years and Jacinta Okolo Udenka ‘F’ aged 45 years all residents of Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
“During a search in their house, one pump action gun, seven single barrel dane guns and twenty-eight live cartridges were recovered. Similarly, the Operatives acting on information earlier extracted from the suspects during their interrogation today 20th April 2025 recovered two more AK47 rifles and two empty magazines in their criminal hideout at Omasi, Ayamelum LGA.
“The Operatives have since been investigating a kidnap incident that occurred at Nnewi in July 2024, where a ransom of Seventeen million, Five hundred thousand Naira only (#17,500,000) was collected before the victim was released from their captivity.
“Information also revealed that Mr Celestine is allegedly a native doctor who provides criminal charms and keeps the weapons for the gang. At the same time, Mrs Jacinta gets information about their victims before they execute their evil plans.”
The release quoted Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu as assuring of the Command’s willingness to follow cases up the case to a logical conclusion until the suspects are arrested.
The CP said: This measure is critical to the ongoing efforts to prevent further criminal activities in the State.”
