Police nab suspect, rescue kidnap victim in Abia
May 15, 2026 10:27 am
FILE: Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
The Abia State Police Command says it has arrested a suspected kidnapper in Umuahia, rescued a victim, and recovered ₦830,000 ransom.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, the command identified the suspect as Ibrahim Audu, 42, while the victim was named as Onyebuchi Nwaoha, 46, both from Old Umuahia.
According to the police, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) acted on intelligence and stormed the Ogwashi Forest in Old Umuahia, suspected to be a hideout for kidnappers.
“Acting on actionable intelligence, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Abia State Police Command, combed the Ogwashi Forest in Old Umuahia, Abia State, suspected to be a hideout for kidnappers.
“During the operation, the operatives were engaged by the kidnappers in a confrontation. The kidnappers, unable to withstand the superior firepower of the officers, fled the scene.
“However, the above-mentioned suspect was apprehended and the victim was successfully rescued while the ransom of Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira (₦830,000.00), collected from the victim’s family, was recovered,” the statement read.
The command said investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that improved security requires collective effort.
He also urged members of the public to support crime prevention by providing timely and useful information to the police through the nearest police station.
Sunday Nwakanma is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 25 years of professional experience in reporting. He is based in Abia State and has worked across local, regional, and national newspapers, covering a wide range of public affairs issues. Sunday’s work reflects extensive newsroom experience, multiple professional recognitions, and a strong commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.