The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a 16-year-old boy, Favour Ayogu, who was allegedly abducted in Enugu State and later abandoned by suspected kidnappers in Onitsha.
Ayogu was rescued around Ekene Junction, along Oguta Road, Onitsha, during a joint security patrol on Sunday night.
The teenager was allegedly abducted in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State before being taken towards Onitsha.
The command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the rescue followed improved joint security operations in the state.
According to Ikenga, a joint patrol team operating at Ekene Junction intercepted the teenager after unidentified persons allegedly dropped him from a black Toyota Highlander SUV close to a security checkpoint.
He said the swift intervention of the security operatives led to the boy’s rescue and prevented further harm.
The suspected abductors reportedly fled as security personnel moved to intercept them, leaving the teenager behind.
The command has since intensified surveillance and intelligence-led operations to identify, trace and arrest those responsible for the alleged abduction.
Police also appealed to residents, particularly those in Igboeze South and Ibagwa-Aka in Enugu State, who may have information about the teenager’s family to contact the nearest police station or the Anambra State Police Command.
Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Nnanna Ama, commended the joint patrol team for its vigilance and professionalism.
Ama urged police personnel to sustain intelligence-led patrols, strategic checkpoints and coordinated security operations across the state.
The commissioner assured residents and visitors of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in the state.
The suspected abductors had not been arrested as of the time of the police statement, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s alleged abduction and movement from Enugu to Anambra.
