Security Operatives Arrest 30 Suspected Kidnappers in Imo, Rescue Kidnapped Monarch
- A joint raid by security operatives has resulted in the arrest of 30 suspected kidnappers in Imo state, southeast Nigeria
- The raid comes barely 48 hours after two prominent traditional rulers in the state were abducted by unknown gunmen
- During the raid, one of the monarchs was rescued alive, while the state government continues to assure residents of their safety
Orsu - Channels Television is reporting that 30 suspected kidnappers and criminals have been arrested in Imo state.
According to the report, the criminals were arrested during a raid on Monday, December 13 by a joint security team, on camps in Orsu local government and Uli community in Ihiala local government area of Anambra state.
Source: Facebook
A traditional ruler who was kidnapped in Okigwe local government area on Sunday, December 12, Acho Ndukwe of Ihube autonomous community, was also reportedly released during the raid.
The raid comes a week after the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) recovered 33 foreign-made, semi-automatic guns and 15 gun cleaning kits from a criminal hideout in Imo state.
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The NSCDC commandant in Imo, Michael Ogar, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Owerri on Thursday, December 9.
Ogar listed the items to include; 26 double-barrel guns, five pump actions, two sniper rifles, and 15 sets of gun cleaning kits.
The commandant said that his officers, acting on credible intelligence on the location of criminals, were able to lay ambush for a few days before invading the hideout and recovering the items.
How the rescued monarch and others were kidnapped by the gunmen
Legit.ng had earlier reported that unknown gunmen abducted Igwe Ndukwe and Paul Ogbu of Ihitte Ihube, both in the Okigwe local government area of Imo state.
The gunmen who whisked away the royal fathers on Sunday, December 12, also burnt their palaces and vehicles.
They also kidnapped the youth leader of Umulolo Okigwe whose name is yet to be ascertained in an operation that lasted from 12 midnight till 1 am.
Tears flow as abducted traditional ruler is found dead in market square
In a related development, the ancient kingdom of Atta in Njaba local government area of Imo state has been thrown into mourning following the murder of its traditional ruler, Eze Edwin Azike.
Azike's body was found at the community market square on Friday morning, December 10. It was gathered that the monarch was killed after he was abducted on Thursday, December 9.
An anonymous source said four people were shot dead on the same day the monarch was kidnapped.
Source: Legit.ng
