(Recovered ammunition from the operation Phone Credit: Punch News)
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has given a detailed account of how police operatives successfully rescued a kidnapped medical doctor, Dr. Edwin Emegakor, and four other victims from their abductors.
Dr. Emegakor, who serves as the Medical Director of Crown Multi-Specialist Hospital in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, was seized from his hospital on May 7, 2026.
He was rescued alongside four others on May 10, having spent three days in the hands of his captors.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Awka on Wednesday, CP Orutugu revealed that the rescue operation was made possible through intelligence-led policing, which led operatives to the criminals’ hideout in Obosi, Idemili Local Government Area, where a fierce gun battle ensued.
Sadly, one police officer lost his life during the exchange of fire, while two others sustained gunshot wounds and are currently responding to treatment.
The command paid tribute to the fallen officer, describing his death as the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation, and expressed appreciation to the state government for its commitment to catering for the deceased officer’s family and covering the medical expenses of the injured officers.
During the operation, two armed suspects were neutralised and a number of items were recovered, including a locally made pistol, 100 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) rounds of ammunition, 23 expended cartridges, and three vehicles one of which, a silver Lexus RX 350, belonged to one of the rescued victims, while the others were allegedly stolen and used by the gang for their criminal activities.
Orutugu noted that following the rescue, operatives cordoned off the building where the victims were found, as irate residents of the area had attempted to set it ablaze.
The Commissioner emphasised that the successes recorded were the product of intelligence-driven operations, the resilience and bravery of the officers involved, and crucially, actionable tip-offs provided by members of the public.
He reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property, and pledged to sustain its intensified offensive against kidnapping, cultism, armed violence, child trafficking, sexual offences, and all other forms of criminal activity across Anambra State.
