16-year-old abducted in Enugu, rescued at Anambra checkpoint

Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

A 16-year-old boy, Favour Ayogu, who was allegedly abducted in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been rescued near a security checkpoint in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The victim was reportedly abandoned by his abductors near Ekene Junction, along Oguta Road, Onitsha, after security operatives intercepted their vehicle and gave them a hot chase.

In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the rescue followed a joint security operation conducted on Sunday night.

According to Ikenga, a joint patrol team operating at the Ekene Junction intercepted the victim after unidentified persons reportedly dropped him from a black Toyota Highlander SUV close to the security checkpoint.

He said the operatives responded swiftly, rescued the boy and prevented further harm, while the suspects fled the scene.

The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command has intensified efforts to apprehend a suspected criminal gang following the rescue of a 16-year-old boy, Favour Ayogu, who was allegedly abducted in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State and later abandoned near a security checkpoint in Onitsha.

“The rescue followed improved strategic joint security operations conducted on the evening of Sunday, September 13, 2026.

“A joint patrol team operating at Ekene Junction along Oguta Road, Onitsha, intercepted the victim after he was reportedly dropped from a black Toyota Highlander SUV by unidentified persons close to the security checkpoint.

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“The swift response of the joint patrol team led to the boy’s rescue and prevented further harm.”

Ikenga said the command had intensified surveillance and other intelligence-led operations to identify, trace and arrest those responsible for the alleged abduction.

He appealed to members of the public, particularly residents of Igboeze South and Ibagwa-Aka in Enugu State, who might have information about the victim’s family, to contact the nearest police station or the Anambra State Police Command.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Ama, commended the joint patrol team for its vigilance and professionalism.

Ama urged officers to sustain intelligence-led patrols, strategic checkpoints and coordinated security operations across the state.

“The command reassures residents and visitors of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, responding swiftly to distress situations, and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in Anambra State,” the statement added.

The police did not disclose whether any suspect had been arrested as of the time of filing this report.