Police rescue abducted teen abandoned near checkpoint in Nigeria

Police in Nigeria's Anambra State rescued a 16-year-old boy on Monday after he was abandoned by suspected kidnappers near a security checkpoint in Onitsha. The victim, identified as Favour Ayogu, was allegedly abducted in the neighboring Enugu State before being left behind as the suspects fled from a police patrol. The rescue occurred on the evening of September 13, 2026, when a joint patrol team operating at Ekene Junction along Oguta Road intercepted the teenager. According to the Anambra State Police Command, Ayogu was reportedly dropped from a black Toyota Highlander SUV by unidentified persons close to the checkpoint. The suspects abandoned the victim and fled as the security operatives moved to intercept them. The police stated that the swift response of the joint patrol team prevented further harm to the boy. The Anambra State Police Command has since intensified surveillance and other intelligence-led measures to identify, trace, and arrest those responsible for the alleged abduction. The victim was allegedly abducted in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State before being taken towards Onitsha.