Anambra Police Arrest 13 Suspects For Different Crimes, Recover Firearms, Stolen Vehicle

By Chibuzo Obidike | Ichie Times

The Anambra State Police Command says it has arrested 13 suspects in separate operations across the state, recovering firearms, ammunition, charms, suspected illicit drugs, cult related items, dangerous weapons and a stolen vehicle.

The Command said operatives of Okpoko Division, acting on intelligence on September 30, 2026, raided a suspected criminal hideout around Coca Cola Market, Okpoko, where they arrested 20 year old Somtochukwu Ezeibe and recovered 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, according to the police.

Police said preliminary investigation indicated alleged involvement in cult related activities, adding that information provided by the suspect assisted investigators in identifying other persons allegedly connected with the group. On October 5, operatives 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 been transferred to the Anti Cult Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.

In another operation on October 4, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, working with Agunechemba Vigilante, Onitsha Sector, arrested four suspects over an alleged conspiracy and armed robbery. The suspects, identified as Dennis Ngwu, Elvis Udo Effiong, Femi Adekoya and Chijioke Obinozie, were reportedly found with large quantities of suspected illicit substances. Police said preliminary investigation linked them to an alleged six man gang suspected of robbing shuttle bus operators at gunpoint and diverting company goods in Onitsha, with investigators putting the alleged value of one diversion at about ₦40 million.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit recovered an abandoned green Toyota Highlander during an intelligence led patrol at Ogidi on October 5. The police said preliminary findings indicated that the vehicle was allegedly snatched from its owner at Ogidi Building Materials on August 16. Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, said the Command would sustain its intelligence led operations against cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes, while urging residents to provide credible and timely information to the police