Police arrest suspected kidnapper linked to secessionist group in Anambra

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The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 43-year-old suspected kidnapper, Kalu Okafor, who is also identified as a member of a proscribed secessionist group.

The command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, stating that operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu arrested the suspect during an intelligence-led operation in the Okpoko area of Ogbaru Local Government Area in the early hours of Wednesday.

Ikenga said the arrest followed a confession by a detained gang member, Chukwudi Nwakpa, who revealed that the group handed over their firearms to Okafor for safekeeping after each kidnapping operation.

During the operation, the police recovered one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, two AK-47 magazines, 88 rounds of ammunition, two face masks, and two hand gloves.

The statement read in part, “The Anambra State Police Command, in continuation of ongoing investigations into a case of conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, and car snatching linked to the activities of a proscribed secessionist group, arrested another criminal gang member, Kalu Okafor ‘M’, aged 43 years.

“The police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu arrested the suspect at Okpoko, Ogbaru LGA, in the early hours of December 3, 2025.

“During the operations, the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, two AK-47 magazines, 88 rounds of ammunition, two face masks, and two hand gloves.

“The feat was recorded following the confession of one of the gang members, Chukwudi Nwakpa, who has been in custody, stating how they handed over their firearms to Kalu Okafor for safekeeping after each kidnapping operation.

“Also, Kalu further admitted that he received returns from the proceeds of ransom collected from kidnapped victims.”

Ikenga added that the suspect was currently assisting the police with information to arrest other fleeing gang members and possibly recover more weapons.

“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” he added.

The arrest comes days after the command arrested another suspected member of a proscribed secessionist group, Emmanuel Osuigwe, in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, following a raid on a criminal hideout in Ukpor, Nnewi South LGA.

The police said the recent operations were part of heightened security surveillance and raids ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, across the state.

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