Police Launch Manhunt for Kidnappers of Female Banker in Bayelsa

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The operatives of  Bayelsa State Command of the Nigeria Police Force yesterday said they have  commenced operation to rescue the Operations Manager of Sterling Bank, Mrs. Nneka Anochie, who was kidnapped by armed men dressed in Military camouflage in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The Command also paraded 12 Suspects over their involvements in various crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, stealing, cultism and attempted murder.

Speaking while parading the suspects at the Police Headquarters, the State Commissioner of Police, Romokere Ibani, said that “on 16th June, 2023 at about 7am, four armed men dressed in Military  amouflage, operating with a Red coloured Lexus Jeep accosted Mrs. Nneka Ugonochie, along Tamara Road Otiotio, Yenagoa, while driving to her office.

“Tactical teams were alerted to embark on a rescue operation. The kidnappers abandoned the Lexus Jeep with REG NO. BWR 552 AW along the East West Road. Investigation is ongoing to rescue the victim and arrest the perpetrators.”

However, sources close to the 42-yeas-old banker, said the kidnap of the victim who is married and an indigene of Owerri in Imo State may not be unconnected to the arrest of the celebrity kidnapper, John Ewa aka John Lyon.

Also security sources revealed that the victim had been warned several times to relocate from her area of residence which is adjacent to the residence of the arrested celebrity  kidnapper, John Lyon and his gang member, Emmanuel Agase.

It was gathered that the men of the Operation Puff Adder and Anti-Kidnapping squad of the State Police Command had provided security for her residence but the arrangement was altered because she complained that she could not afford the cost of logistics.

Police sources further revealed that the abduction may be connected to members of the remaining gang of the celebrity kidnappers, saying “we warned her to relocate for sometime because our intelligence report showed that she is being monitored to be abducted.”

Parading some of the suspects, the Commissioner, noted that the modest successes were achieved as a result of diligent investigation by Police operatives and the cooperation of members of the public.

He implore the good people of Bayelsa to continue to support the Police in the onerous task of ensuring peace and public safety.

He advised people who want to seek the services of a house helps to subject them to thorough investigation as it has been observed that some of them are criminals and can be used as informants to their criminal gangs.

He said the Command will continue with its onslaught against criminals in the state, through constant raids, visibility policing, intelligence led policing and Community Policing.