Chinedum Elekwachi
Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 31-year old notorious leader of a proscribed armed separatist group named Gospel Nneto aka “OZ,”
Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed this on Tuesday.
The PPRO said the suspect was arrested by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad.
He said the operatives also rescued 3 kidnap victims in separate operations and recovered arms and incriminating items.
He said, “Anambra State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu continues to record major operational breakthroughs in its relentless efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
“In a series of coordinated operations across different parts of the state, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, in the early hours of today, 15th July 2025, arrested one Gospel Ozioma Nneto, male, aged 31, aka “OZ,” a notorious leader of a proscribed armed separatist group.
Ikenga said the Divisional Police Officers of Nimo and Nteje, in collaboration with local vigilante operatives, also successfully rescued three kidnapped victims held by suspected armed hoodlums.
“Items recovered from the operations include: One (1) pump-action gun and one (1) dagger.
“The arrested suspect is a known terrorist, kidnapper, and armed robber, and a confirmed member of the proscribed separatist group.
“During interrogation, he confessed to being a photographer for the group, operating from a camp known as “Mother Valley,” located in the Orsumohu-Orsu axis.
“He is currently undergoing further interrogation as discreet investigations continue to uncover his criminal network.
Forests combed
“In a related development, a joint security team comprising police operatives from Nimo Division and local vigilante members, acting on credible intelligence, searched forested areas between Oraukwu and Nimo communities on the evening of 15th July 2025.
“This led to the successful rescue of two female kidnap victims.
“The victims will be reunited with their families following necessary medical and psychological evaluations.
“In another breakthrough, on the evening of 14th July 2025, police operatives from Nteje Division, responding to an attempted attack by two armed suspects, engaged the assailants in a gun duel.
“The operatives neutralized the armed hoodlums and recovered: One (1) pump-action gun, One (1) dagger, and other incriminating items.
“Meanwhile, Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal syndicates involved in these incidents.
“The Command remains resolute in its mission to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors to Anambra State.”
