 [SAHARAREPORTERS] A Special Force Squad of the Nigerian Navy Base, Onitsha, stormed Ochan forest, known as the Anambra State base of kidnappers, and arrested five suspected kidnappers.
During the bombardment, over 10 persons died while others escaped with bullet wounds, Punch reports.
While parading the suspects at its base in Onitsha on Friday, the leader of the naval team, Suleiman Agabi, said the command, based on intelligence gathering, stormed the kidnappers' hideout around 1:20 am on Friday.
Agabi further identified the suspected kidnappers as the criminal masterminds of the abduction of the traditional ruler of Ogwaniocha community in Anambra State, Igwe Oliver Nnaji, who was kidnapped on November 15, 2021.
It was learnt that the suspects are making confessional statements in connection to the abduction of the monarch.
Live ammunition, cartridges, guns, charms, among others were reportedly recovered from the victim.
Agabi said, “These criminals have formed a syndicate. They go to communities around the borders, kidnap their traditional rulers and use the ransom to buy guns, prepare charms and maintain their operations.
“We got a report now that some of them have started visiting medical facilities to receive treatment and I have directed members of my team to go round the area, especially at Ihiala and monitor the situation. Some of the suspects have confessed to belong to a group that kidnapped the traditional ruler of Ogwaniocha community and we are trailing their leader.” 
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