Security operatives have rescued the two officials of the United States Consulate in Nigeria who were kidnapped in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The U.S. embassy officials were kidnapped by gunmen during an attack on their convoy on Tuesday, May 16.

Confirming their release, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement issued on Friday, May 19, said the abducted U.S. embassy officials were rescued unhurt by the joint security forces in the early hours of Friday.

Ikenga noted: “In the early hours of Friday, May 19, 2023, the joint security forces rescued unhurt the two remaining victims abducted during the attack on a US convoy attack along Atani/Osamela road in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

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“Operations are still ongoing and further details shall be communicated.”

The Star recalls that the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, on Thursday, May 18, said security operatives have arrested two persons in connection with the incident.

Echeng said the suspects were arrested after joint security forces, comprising police tactical teams, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Navy raided a camp in Ogwuanaocha community of Ogbaru, which was suspected to be the hideout of the assailants on Wednesday, May 17.

He disclosed that nine U.S. Consulate personnel from Lagos were involved in Tuesday’s attack which claimed seven lives in the Ogbaru area of Anambra State.

Echeng listed the persons as Jefferson Obayuwane, Sunday Prince Ubong, Ekene Nweke, Hassan Etila, Avwuvie Kaye Monday, Bukar. A. Kabuiki, Emmanuel Lukpata, Friday Morgan, and Adamu Andrew.

It was gathered that out of the number, seven were killed and set ablaze in their vehicles, while two others were kidnapped.

The police commissioner further blamed the attack on the members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), adding that efforts were on to track the location of the gunmen.

The Star