Police arrests 3 suspected armed robbers, cultists in Anambra *Recover ammunition, stolen tanker

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By Madu Obi

The Anambra State Police command has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained efforts to enhance safety and security across the state, with the arrest of three suspected armed robbers/cultists and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and a stolen petrol tanker.

The operation was carried out by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, who acted on credible intelligence.

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Tochukwu Ikenga, the operatives stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Ogidi, Idemili North local government area during which the suspects were arrested.

He named the suspects as Francis Chukwuka Anene, 46 years, Emmanuel Obi, 29 years and Okoye Chinonso, 35 years. Also arrested is a serving member of a security outfit.

Items recovered from them include two locally made Beretta pistols, four rounds of live 9 mm ammunition, and a suspected fake security agency identity card.

The PPRO said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects are members of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in armed robbery and kidnapping, who were terrorizing residents of Ogidi and its environs.

"The suspects are also being investigated for possible involvement in the gruesome murder of the late President General of Ogidi", he said.

Similarly, Police personnel attached to the Ozubulu Police Division have recovered a suspected stolen white trailer tanker abandoned along the Onitsha/Owerri expressway.

Ikenga said the vehicle was found without a registration number and key in the ignition, adding that it was abandoned by an unidentified individual.

He said that the command has commenced efforts to trace the owner of the tanker and unravel the circumstances surrounding its abandonment, even as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu has reassured Anambra people of the command’s commitment to sustaining safety and urged members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information.