The Nigerian Navy says its Special Forces at its Base in Onitsha, Anambra State, has raided a kidnappers’ den in Ochan Forest, killing at 10 suspects and arresting five others.
The navy said that a number of suspects also escaped with bullet wounds during a gun battle in the forest which borders Ogwaniocha, Ulli and Ihiala communities in Anambra.
Suleiman Agabi, leader of the naval team while parading the suspects in Onitsha on Friday, said the command, based on intelligence, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout around 1.20am on Friday.
According to Agabi, as soon as the suspects noticed the presence of the team, they opened fire and during the gun duel, “over 10 persons were killed, others escaped with bullet wounds while five of them were arrested.”
He also said that live ammunition, cartridges, guns, charms, among others were recovered from the hoodlums.
“These criminals have formed a syndicate. They go to communities around the borders, kidnap their traditional rulers and use the ransom to buy guns, prepare charms and maintain their operations,” he said.
“We got a report now that some of them have started visiting medical facilities to receive treatment and I have directed members of my team to go round the area, especially at Ihiala and monitor the situation.
“Some of the suspects have confessed to belong to a group that kidnapped the traditional ruler of Ogwaniocha community and we are trailing their leader.”
Among the paraded suspects are Amarachi Ibelekwu, Ifeoma Ijegwu, Ibelekwu Onyebuchi, Esononu Ebuka, and Ayankolu Ebulechukwuozu.
