A police officer attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS)/Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Awkuzu, Anambra State, has been commended for his persistence in tracking and arresting a suspected kidnapper who allegedly fled across several states and eventually escaped to Ghana.
The officer, CSP Iburu Ifeanyi, reportedly led his team in the arrest of 10 suspected kidnappers linked to several high-profile abduction cases in Anambra State and Asaba, Delta State.
Among the cases allegedly connected to the suspects was the abduction and killing of Hon. Justice Azuka, an incident that attracted widespread concern.
According to an account circulating on the incident, the operation took an unexpected turn when two of the suspects escaped in Asaba while police operatives were allegedly using them to lure a car dealer, Tochukwu Akaolise of Obosi, who was suspected of buying stolen vehicles from members of the gang.
One of the escapees, identified as Ikemefuna Ossai, reportedly embarked on a multi-state flight after escaping from custody.
From Imo to Bayelsa, Lagos and Ghana
Ossai allegedly moved from Imo State to Bayelsa, then Lagos, before eventually crossing into Ghana in an attempt to evade arrest.
Rather than abandoning the investigation, CSP Iburu reportedly travelled to Ghana and spent about two weeks tracking the suspect.
The suspect eventually became aware that he was being monitored and reportedly returned to Nigeria, heading back to Lagos.
However, his movements allegedly provided investigators with another opportunity to track him.
According to the account, Ossai stole an iPhone 14 while leaving Ghana. The device reportedly became an important lead in the effort to establish his whereabouts.
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Investigators subsequently continued monitoring his movements as he moved between locations.
Girlfriend allegedly becomes link to arrest
The investigation reportedly took another turn when Ossai moved to Benin, while his girlfriend allegedly sent money to a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator in Asaba.
According to the account, police investigators used the transaction as part of an operation designed to lure the suspect back into the area.
When Ossai allegedly arrived to withdraw the money, CSP Iburu and his team moved in and arrested him.
The suspect was subsequently taken back into custody, ending what had reportedly become a lengthy pursuit across multiple states and Ghana.
Recognition for persistence
The account has sparked calls for greater recognition of police officers involved in complex anti-kidnapping operations, particularly those whose work receives little public attention.
Supporters of CSP Iburu’s efforts argue that his alleged pursuit of the suspect demonstrates the level of persistence and intelligence required to investigate organised kidnapping networks, particularly when suspects cross state and international boundaries.
The operation reportedly occurred about two months ago but did not receive significant public attention at the time.
The commendation comes amid continuing public debate over the performance of the Nigerian Police Force, with citizens frequently criticising the institution over security failures while comparatively less attention is paid to individual officers involved in successful investigations and arrests.
Those highlighting CSP Iburu’s role say successful operations should also be documented and acknowledged to encourage professionalism within the security services.
A broader message for policing
The reported operation also underscores the increasingly complex nature of criminal investigations in Nigeria, where suspects can move rapidly across state boundaries and, in some cases, leave the country to evade arrest.
Tracking such suspects requires cooperation, intelligence gathering, digital tracing and sustained surveillance, alongside conventional policing methods.
CSP Iburu’s reported pursuit of Ossai—from the suspect’s movements across several Nigerian states to his eventual escape to Ghana and return to Nigeria—has therefore been presented as an example of persistence in criminal investigation.
However, details of the operation, including the official charges against the suspect, the precise circumstances surrounding his alleged escape and the current status of the wider investigation, would need to be confirmed by the Nigerian Police Force.
The account nevertheless has renewed calls for authorities to recognise officers who demonstrate dedication in the fight against kidnapping and other serious crimes.
For those supporting the Awkuzu anti-kidnapping team’s work, the message is simple: successful policing should not only be remembered when things go wrong; officers who demonstrate courage, intelligence and persistence should also receive public recognition for their service.