13 Suspects Arrested, Stolen Vehicle Recovered in Anambra
Police recover firearms, ammunition, charms, suspected illicit drugs and cult insignias
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects in separate operations across the state, recovering firearms, ammunition, charms, suspected illicit drugs, dangerous weapons, cult-related insignias and a stolen vehicle.
The arrests, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, followed intelligence-led operations targeting suspected criminal and cult-related activities in different parts of the state.
Ikenga said operatives of the Okpoko Police Division, acting on credible intelligence on September 30, raided a suspected criminal hideout around Coca-Cola Market, Okpoko, where they arrested 20-year-old Somtochukwu Ezeibe.
Recovered from the suspect were a locally made double-barrel pistol, one live cartridge and charms. A subsequent search of his residence also led to the recovery of a Vikings Confraternity beret and peak cap.
The police said preliminary investigation indicated the suspect’s alleged involvement in cult-related activities, while information obtained from him helped investigators identify other persons allegedly connected with the group.
Following up on the information, operatives on October 5 arrested eight additional suspects identified as Chinonso Njoku, Tochukwu Ogbonna, Chidiebere Anokwuru, Chidera Nwakpa, Nweke Chibuike, Somadina Otubo, Chibueze Ikechukwu and Obum James.
The suspects have since been transferred to the Anti-Cult Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Four Arrested Over Alleged Armed Robbery
In a separate operation on October 4, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, working with the Agunechemba Vigilante, Onitsha Sector, arrested four suspects over alleged conspiracy and armed robbery.
The suspects were identified as Dennis Ngwu, Elvis Udo Effiong, Femi Adekoya and Chijioke Obinozie.
The police said large quantities of suspected illicit substances were recovered from the suspects.
Preliminary investigation, according to the Command, indicated that the four men were allegedly members of a six-man gang suspected of robbing shuttle bus operators at gunpoint and diverting company goods within Onitsha.
Police said statements obtained from the suspects allegedly implicated them in offences including the diversion of goods valued at about 40 million naira, an allegation that remains under investigation.
Stolen Highlander Recovered
Meanwhile, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit have recovered an abandoned green Toyota Highlander at Ogidi during an intelligence-led patrol on October 5.
Police findings indicate that the vehicle was allegedly snatched from its owner at Ogidi Building Materials on August 16, 2026.
The recovery adds to a series of operations by the Anambra State Police Command aimed at disrupting criminal networks, cult activities and violent crimes across the state.
The police said investigations into the various cases are ongoing, with suspects expected to face prosecution upon completion of investigations and in accordance with the law.
