The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspected kidnapper in Umuahia, the rescue of a kidnapped victim, and the recovery of ₦830,000 allegedly paid as ransom.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the suspect was identified as Ibrahim Audu, a 42-year-old male, while the victim was named as Onyebuchi Nwaoha, a 46-year-old man from Old Umuahia.

According to the Command, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit acted on credible intelligence and carried out a targeted operation at the Ogwashi Forest in Old Umuahia, which was believed to be a hideout for kidnappers.

The police explained that during the operation, officers encountered resistance from the suspected kidnappers, leading to a brief exchange. The criminals were eventually overpowered and fled the scene.

In the process, the suspect was arrested, while the victim was successfully rescued. The sum of ₦830,000, said to have been collected from the victim’s family as ransom, was also recovered.

The Command added that investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to track and apprehend other members of the fleeing gang.

The Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that effective security requires cooperation between the police and the public.

He further urged residents to continue providing timely and useful information to security agencies by reporting suspicious activities at the nearest police station.