Anambra Police rescue South Africa–based Nigerian from kidnappers in Orumba South

Stanley Ihedigbo

Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has successfully rescued a Nigerian citizen based in South Africa who was abducted by armed men in Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.

The rescue operation was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, January 15, 2026, by a police-led joint security team attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Aguata, during a routine visibility patrol around the Isulo axis of Orumba South LGA.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the victim was found after he escaped from the kidnappers’ hideout and encountered the security operatives during their patrol.

The victim disclosed that he is a native of Obinagu–Isikweachi community in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State and a Nigerian citizen currently residing and doing business in South Africa.

He revealed that he was abducted on January 1, 2026, in the evening hours from his hometown by a gang of six armed men who reportedly wore masks to conceal their identities.

He further stated that the kidnappers had contacted his wife and relatives, demanding a ransom of Forty Million Naira (₦40 million) for his release. However, in a desperate bid to regain his freedom, he managed to escape from the kidnappers’ den, leading to his eventual rescue by the joint security team.

Following his rescue, the victim was thoroughly debriefed by the operatives and subsequently reunited with his family.

Meanwhile, the police command disclosed that operatives are currently working with actionable intelligence obtained from the victim to identify, locate, and dismantle the criminal hideout within the area, as well as apprehend all those involved in the abduction.

The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its unwavering commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven policing aimed at ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors across the state.

SP Ikenga assured members of the public that further developments regarding the operation would be promptly communicated as investigations continue.