RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka
The joint operation of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) and the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ochabrigade) yielded positive results as both security agencies rescued a kidnapped victim at Nimo Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday 2nd November, 2024.
Report of the rescue operation as released by the Southeast Zonal Commander of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) ACG Mark Okem Okonkwo has it that while the catholic church parishes in Nimo community were praying for the souls of their departed ones, kidnappers took the advantage to kidnap one building engineer Chukwunonso Nzekwe (m) of Attani Achi in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State of Nigeria based in Asaba Delta State.
The report has it that he was taken to Agu Urukwelora village in Egbengwu Ojideleke Nimo and the eagle eyes of NHFSS intelligence officer in the village saw them in the bush, informed ACH Innocent Obinyeluaku a retired SP of Police who In a swift response with other officers arrested one of the kidnappers who gave his name as Sunday Samela from Nasarawa State of Nigeria resident in Enugwu Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State of Nigeria and his partners escaped after serious gun battles.
The victim was rescued and a locally made gun was also recovered, the suspect was quickly taken over to the police at Rapid Response section at Awkuzu for discreet investigation.
In spite of the crisis bedeviling Nimo community for the past three years, officers and men of NHFSS are assiduously working and keeping the community safe for the inhabitants. They therefore solicited for more information from the members of the public to enable them tackle Ember months related cases, adding that the public should endeavour to say something when they see something.
The Southeast Zonal Commander of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) ACG Mark Okem Okonkwo also disclosed that the rescue mission was a joint operation of the NHFSS and Ochabrigade and that the rescued victim was equally taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department at former SARS Awkuzu to make written statement.
Okonkwo noted that officers and men of NHFSS will continue to compliment the efforts of other security agencies as well as support the efforts of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to ensure that Anambra is safe and secured and that citizens sleep with their two eyes closed.
Meanwhile the Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence) of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) Amb. Dr. John Metchie thanked the rescue team for their gallantry, saying that hunters will continue to ensure that Anambra forests are safe from criminal invasions.
Metchie also added that NHFSS will continue to collaborate and partner Ochabrigade in cleaning the state off criminal elements while commending the Commander-General of the hunters' service Amb. Dr. Joshua Osatimehin for his transformational leadership.