Police in Anambra State say they have recovered an AK-47 rifle and two magazines loaded with 50 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The spokesperson for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga stated this in a press release made available to DAILY POST in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
Ikenga said the arm and ammunition were from a kidnap gang, which the operatives of the command had dislodged last week Friday.
He said two vehicles were recovered from the kidnap gang, while four kidnap victims were rescued when operatives of the command accosted the gang at Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government Area.
He said that the gang escaped in a third car, and that they were suspected to have sustained bullet wounds.
In Monday’s press release, he said the arm and ammunition was from the fleeing gang.
He said: “While combing the surrounding bushes on Saturday morning, Police and the Local Vigilante recovered a loaded AK-47 rifle with double magazines containing 50 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
“The weapon was promptly rendered safe and taken into custody for further investigation.
“This is following the smashing of a notorious kidnap gang on the night of Friday 8th March, 2024 at Awgbu in Orumba North LGA.
“Police operatives have intensified manhunt for the kidnappers who escaped from the scene of the shootout.”
Ikenga said the Command’s Special Anti Kidnapping Unit at Awkuzu has taken over the case for proper investigation as directed by the state commissioner of police.
He added that the commander of the unit has assured that it will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the kidnap suspects are brought to justice.
He said four male victims who were rescued last Friday have all been re-united with their families, who expressed joy.