By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has recorded another major operational breakthrough in Ogidi, leading to the recovery of additional arms and the arrest of a suspected ringleader linked to a criminal syndicate operating within the area.
This is coming barely three days after the state’s security operatives recovered a single-barrel short gun and arrested many suspects at a notorious brothel in Awka, where they also uncovered assorted bundles of illicit drugs and other incriminating items.
According to a press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the latest development and breakthrough in Ogidi followed sustained investigation and interrogation by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, after an earlier operation on March 21, which led to the arrest of three suspects and initial recovery of weapons.
The PPRO revealed that the operatives, in a follow-up operation, arrested one Chukwuka Anene, aged 46, who is believed to be the armourer and ringleader of the criminal gang. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his role in supplying and maintaining weapons for the criminal group.
SP Ikenga said acting on the information provided, the police team was led to the gang’s hideout in Ogidi, where a cache of arms and incriminating items was recovered, including two pump-action guns, two locally made Beretta pistols, five rounds of 9mm ammunition, seven live cartridges, a beret suspected to be linked to a cult group, as well as body armour.
The Police Spokesman also disclosed that efforts have been intensified to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate, further assuring that the Command remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence in security across the state.
While reiterating the Command’s resolve to protect lives and property, the police spokesman called on members of the public to continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information, emphasizing that community cooperation remains vital in sustaining the fight against crime.
