By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained clampdown on violent crimes, with the arrest of four suspected members of an armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate operating within the State and its environs.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, and made available to newsmen in Awka.
According to the statement, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence, swooped on the suspects in the early hours of September 1, 2025, in Amansea, Awka, leading to their arrest. Two pump-action guns and nine live cartridges were also recovered during the operation.
The PPRO explained that the case, which had earlier been transferred from B Division Awka to the Rapid Response Squad on August 14, 2025, was linked to the kidnap of two victims in Amansea on August 12, during which a ransom of ₦5 million was paid before the captives regained freedom.
The arrested suspects, according to him, were identified as Chigozie Igboekwu (31), Odumegwu Chibuike (23), Jonah Awudu (40), and Okechukwu Nwari (33).
“During interrogation, the suspects voluntarily confessed to the crime and narrated how they conspired among themselves to abduct two victims in Amansea at about 7:00 p.m. on 12th August 2025, held them hostage for two days in a bush at Ugwuoba, Enugu State, and collected ransom before their release,” the statement partly read.
Ikenga added that operations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate who are still at large. He noted that the arrested suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, MNIPS, PhD, commended the operatives for their resilience and gallantry in the operation.
The CP further reassured Ndi Anambra of the Command’s unwavering commitment to rid the State of criminal elements and to safeguard the lives and property of all residents.
