By Michael Ovat -Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has sustained its intelligence-led offensive against criminal elements across the State, arresting thirteen (13) suspects in separate operations and recovering firearms, ammunition, charms, cult-related insignias, suspected illicit drugs, dangerous weapons and a stolen vehicle.
The arrest was contained in a statement issued to Journalists in Awka, on Wednesday, by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to Ikenga, “On 30th September 2026, operatives of Okpoko Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout around Coca-Cola Market, Okpoko, and arrested Somtochukwu Ezeibe, male, aged 20 years. Recovered from him were one locally-made double-barrel pistol, one live cartridge and charms. A follow-up search conducted at his residence also led to the recovery of a Vikings Confraternity beret and peak cap.
Preliminary investigation revealed alleged involvement in cult-related activities, while the suspect provided information that assisted the police in identifying other persons allegedly connected with the group. Consequently, on 5th October 2026, operatives arrested eight additional suspects: Chinonso Njoku, Tochukwu Ogbonna, Chidiebere Anokwuru, Chidera Nwakpa, Nweke Chibuike, Somadina Otubo, Chibueze Ikechukwu and Obum James. The suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Cult Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Similarly, on 4th October 2026, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, in collaboration with Agunechemba Vigilante, Onitsha Sector, arrested four suspects in connection with an alleged conspiracy and armed robbery. They are Dennis Ngwu, Elvis Udo Effiong, Femi Adekoya and Chijioke Obinozie. Large quantities of suspected illicit substances were recovered from the suspects.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are allegedly members of a six-man gang suspected of robbing shuttle bus operators at gunpoint and diverting company goods within Onitsha. The suspects reportedly made statements implicating themselves in the alleged offences, including the diversion of goods valued at approximately ₦40 million. Investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the alleged offences and identify other persons who may be connected to the activities.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), during an intelligence-led patrol on 5th October 2026, recovered an abandoned green Toyota Highlander at Ogidi. Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicle was allegedly snatched from its owner at Ogidi Building Materials on 16th August 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, reassures Ndi Anambra that the Command will sustain its intelligence-led operations against cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.
The Commissioner further urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to the police, assuring that such information will be treated with appropriate confidentiality and acted upon professionally.
