The Abia State Police Command has rescued a medical doctor abducted by suspected kidnappers and arrested four suspects, including a Point of Sale (PoS) operator accused of receiving ransom from the victim’s family.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed this on Friday in Umuahia while briefing journalists on the achievements of the command within less than one month of his assumption of office.
Afolabi said the rescued doctor, identified as Ikenna Ilo, was abducted on August 19, 2026, adding that operatives secured his release through actionable intelligence and collaboration with the Imo State Police Command.
According to the police commissioner, operatives were immediately deployed after receiving intelligence on the abduction, while the victim’s vehicle was tracked towards Imo State.
He said the development prompted collaboration between the Abia and Imo police commands, which eventually led to the doctor’s rescue.
The commissioner confirmed that the doctor was rescued unharmed.
He added that four suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, including individuals allegedly involved in dismantling the vehicle’s tracking device and a PoS operator accused of receiving ransom money.
“Three other suspects who were involved in the dismantling of the tracker in the vehicle and the POS operators who received ransom are in our custody as an investigation is ongoing and efforts intensify to identify, apprehend and dismantle other members of the criminal syndicate,” Afolabi said.
The police commissioner said investigations were ongoing to establish the roles of the suspects and apprehend other members of the alleged criminal syndicate.
He further disclosed that the command had arrested several suspected criminals and recovered firearms, ammunition and stolen items since he assumed office.
Afolabi also listed arrests over alleged defilement, vandalism and other criminal activities among the command’s recent operational achievements.
He said the command would sustain its efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of residents across Abia State.
The police have yet to disclose the identities of the other suspects or provide further details about the alleged ransom transaction.
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