Anambra Police Arrest Two Wanted Kidnap Suspects Linked to Multiple Abduction Cases
By Ichie Times
The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping with the arrest of two suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate linked to multiple abduction cases within and outside the state.
Addressing journalists in Awka on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence and sustained investigations, arrested Dauda Mohamed, 38, on July 27, 2026.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in several kidnapping operations in Anambra State during interrogation.
He reportedly identified Umar Ali, popularly known as “Barjini,” aged 50, as the leader of the syndicate responsible for coordinating logistics and supplying operational weapons. He also mentioned two other suspected gang members, identified simply as Usman and Gongola, who are currently on the run.
The Command said the investigation is connected to the abduction of a victim at Divine Heritage Lodge, Ukwulu, Dunukofia Local Government Area, on June 26, 2026.
According to the police, armed men emerged from an uncompleted building behind the lodge, opened fire, abducted the victim into a nearby bush and later demanded a ransom of ₦30 million. Following negotiations, the victim was released after four days in captivity when ₦15 million was reportedly paid.
Preliminary investigations further revealed that the syndicate allegedly relocated from armed bandit enclaves in Nigeria’s North West to establish criminal operations in parts of the South East.
The police also alleged that the gang used an AK-47 rifle, supplied by the gang leader, to carry out kidnapping and armed robbery operations.
Acting on information obtained from the first suspect, police operatives extended the operation to Ugwuoba Gariki in Enugu State, where they arrested the alleged gang leader, Umar Ali, also known as “Barjini.”
The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to denying criminals safe haven in the state, assuring residents that intelligence led operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes will continue.
The Command also appealed to members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely, credible and actionable information to aid ongoing efforts to combat crime.
Police said investigations are continuing and assured that further updates will be made available as the operation progresses.
