The Anambra State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its operations against kidnapping and violent crimes with the arrest of two suspected kidnappers allegedly linked to multiple abductions across the state.
The prime suspect, Dauda Mohamed, aged 38, was arrested on July 27 following credible intelligence and investigations by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu. During interrogation, Mohamed allegedly confessed to participating in several kidnapping operations in Anambra State and identified Umar Ali, also known as 'Barjini', aged 50, as the leader of the gang responsible for coordinating logistics and supplying operational weapons to the criminal network.
The investigation is directly linked to the kidnapping of a victim which occurred on June 26, 2026, at Divine Heritage Lodge, Ukwulu, Dunukofia Local Government Area. Armed hoodlums emerged from an uncompleted building behind the lodge, fired several gunshots, abducted the victim into a nearby bush, and later demanded a ransom of ₦30m. After negotiations, the sum of ₦15m was paid before the victim regained freedom after spending four days in captivity.
According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, preliminary investigations revealed that the gang allegedly relocated from armed bandit enclaves in the North-West and established criminal operations in parts of the South-East. Investigations indicated that the syndicate used an AK-47 rifle, allegedly supplied by the gang leader, to carry out kidnapping and armed robbery operations.
Acting swiftly on information obtained during the interrogation, operatives extended the operation to Ugwuoba Gariki, Enugu State, where they successfully arrested Umar Ali, also known as 'Barjini'. The command assured residents that it remains resolute in denying criminals any safe haven within the state and will continue to sustain proactive operations, strengthen intelligence gathering, and work collaboratively with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks.
'In the early hours of July 27, following credible intelligence and painstaking investigations, Anambra police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, carried out a coordinated operation and arrested one Dauda Mohamed, aged 38.'
Ikenga also reemphasized the importance of public support in security operations, urging residents to continue providing timely, credible, and actionable information that will assist the police in preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice.
The arrest of Mohamed and Ali marks a significant development in the police command's efforts to combat kidnapping and violent crimes in Anambra State. The command has been working closely with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of residents.
Key Facts
- ₦15m was paid as ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim. - The prime suspect, Dauda Mohamed, was arrested on July 27. - Umar Ali, also known as 'Barjini', was arrested in Enugu State. - The kidnapping syndicate allegedly relocated from armed bandit enclaves in the North-West. - An AK-47 rifle was allegedly supplied by the gang leader for kidnapping and armed robbery operations.