From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command, through its Operation Udo Ga-Achi zero-tolerance initiative against kidnapping, has arrested two suspects and recovered several firearms.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, announced that information obtained during the suspects’ interrogation led to the recovery of additional weapons.
Ikenga explained that police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad/Anti-Kidnapping Unit, on 13 April 2025, arrested Celestine Onuyia, a 52-year-old man, and Jacinta Okolo Udenka, a 45-year-old woman, both residents of Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area. A search of their residence uncovered one pump-action gun, seven single-barrel Dane guns, and twenty-eight live cartridges.
Furthermore, on April 20, operatives acting on information extracted during the suspects’ interrogation recovered two AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines from a criminal hideout in Omasi, Ayamelum Local Government Area. Ikenga noted that the operatives have been investigating a kidnapping incident that occurred in Nnewi in July 2024, where a ransom of seventeen million, five hundred thousand naira (N17,500,000) was paid for the victim’s release.
Ikenga stated, “Information also revealed that Mr Celestine is allegedly a native doctor who provides criminal charms and keeps weapons for the gang. At the same time, Mrs Jacinta gets information about their victims before they execute their evil plans.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, assured the public of the command’s commitment to pursuing cases until all suspects are apprehended. This measure supports ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities in Anambra State.