The Abia State government has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping by uncovering a hidden tunnel used by kidnappers to keep their victims in Lokpanta, Umunneochi council area of the state. The discovery was made during a raid by men of the Operation Crush security team.
According to Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the hidden tunnel became visible as the government deployed earth-moving equipment to the area. This breakthrough follows the government’s commitment to tackling criminal activities, especially kidnapping, in the state.
Ekeoma explained, “The hidden tunnel was discovered as the state government led by Governor Alex Otti, deployed earth-moving equipment to clear the area after the criminal cartel succumbed to the superior firepower of the government-backed Operation Crush.”
Governor Alex Otti had previously launched the Abia State Joint Security Task Force, Operation Crush, with a mandate to bring criminals, especially kidnappers causing distress to the people of Umunneochi and other parts of the state, to justice. The operation also aims to dismantle the criminal infrastructure and architecture used by these criminals.
The uncovering of the hidden tunnel marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to reclaim territories and eliminate criminal elements involved in kidnapping. Governor Otti reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents, emphasizing that no part of the state would be surrendered to criminals.
The use of earth-moving equipment to clear the area is part of the government’s strategy to dismantle and destroy criminal hideouts and structures used by kidnappers. The operation is expected to weaken the capabilities of criminal cartels and make it more difficult for them to operate.
The Abia State government’s proactive approach to addressing the menace of kidnapping reflects a broader commitment to enhancing the security infrastructure and safeguarding the well-being of residents. The success of Operation Crush in uncovering the hidden tunnel sends a strong message to criminal elements that the state is determined to root out illegal activities and maintain law and order.
