Anambra Police Kill Gunman, Nab Notorious Singer, Free Kidnap Victims

Anambra State Police Commissioner CP Ikioye Orutugu

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a notorious gospel singer, Ozioma Nneto, and rescued three kidnap victims in separate operations across the state.

The operations also led to the killing of an armed suspect and the recovery of firearms and other incriminating items.

In a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, it was noted that the police, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu, continue to achieve significant breakthroughs in their efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

According to Ikenga, in one of the operations, a gun battle occurred between security operatives and armed suspects in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area, resulting in the death of one assailant.

In a separate operation in the early hours of July 15, 2025, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad arrested 31-year-old Ozioma Nneto, also known as “OZ,” a notorious leader of a proscribed armed separatist group.

In another coordinated effort, the Divisional Police Officers of Nimo and Nteje, working with local vigilante operatives, successfully rescued three kidnap victims from armed assailants. Items recovered during the rescue include one pump-action gun and one dagger.

The arrested suspect, Nneto, is a known terrorist, kidnapper, and armed robber. He is confirmed to be a member of the proscribed separatist group. During interrogation, he confessed to serving as the group’s photographer, operating from a camp known as “Mother Valley,” located in the Orsumohu-Orsu axis. He remains in custody and is undergoing further interrogation as investigations into his criminal network continue.

In a related development, on the evening of July 15, 2025, a joint security team comprising police operatives from Nimo Division and local vigilante groups conducted a search operation in the forested areas between Oraukwu and Nimo communities based on credible intelligence. The operation led to the successful rescue of two female kidnap victims. The victims are currently receiving medical and psychological evaluations before being reunited with their families.

Additionally, on the evening of July 14, 2025, police operatives from Nteje Division responded to an attempted attack by two armed suspects. The operatives engaged the attackers in a gun battle, killing one of them. Recovered items included one pump-action gun, one dagger, and other incriminating materials.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal syndicates involved in these incidents.

The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the state.