The Anambra State Police Command on Monday said it has recovered an AK-47 rifle with two magazines loaded with 50 rounds of ammunition while trailing kidnappers at Awgbu in Orumba North Council Area of the state.
On Friday, the Command said its operatives, while on patrol and snap checks with the local vigilante, intercepted some kidnappers along Amagu-Awgbu Road, as they were heading towards an exit route from the State.
According to the police spokesperson in Anambra, Tochukwu Ikenga, the gang, had opened fire sporadically on sighting the patrol team, but bowed to Police-Vigilante superior firepower, while two of the three vehicles they operated with were demobilized.
He revealed that while the remnant of the gang escaped in the third vehicle, other gangsters fled into the bush on foot with bullet wounds, and one Pump Action Gun was recovered.
He further disclosed that also recovered were two SUVs – One 2017 edition of Toyota Highlander with Reg No. Abuja GWA 141 KZ and one Mercedes Benz GLK 350 4Matic with Registration Number Anambra AGU 242 NQ.
During the encounter, Ikenga said, four kidnapped persons were rescued.
However, on Monday, the Anambra PPRO said following the smashing of the notorious Kidnap Gang on the night of Friday 8th March, at Awgbu in Orumba North LGA, Police Operatives have intensified the manhunt for the kidnappers who escaped from the scene of the shootout.
He said, “While combing the surrounding bushes over the weekend, Police and the Local Vigilante recovered a loaded AK-47 Rifle with Double Magazines containing 50 Rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
“The weapon was promptly rendered safe and taken into custody for further investigation.”
Ikenga said the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has praised the diligence of the Joint Team and promised to reward them for their commitment to public safety.
He further noted the Command’s Special Anti Kidnapping Unit at Awkuzu has taken over the case for proper investigation as directed by the Commissioner of Police.
“The Commander of the Unit has assured that it will leave no stone unturned until the kidnap suspects are brought to justice.
“Meanwhile, the four male victims rescued from the kidnappers last Friday have all been reunited with their joyous families,” he said.
