The Anambra State Police Command has announced the elimination of the masterminds behind a deadly attack on police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Uruagu Nnewi, Anambra State. The incident occurred in 2024.
During a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Awka, the Commandâs Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that between January 2024 and now, police operatives have rescued 14 kidnapped victims, arrested over 300 suspects, and recovered 43 unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Additionally, over 100 firearms, 40 stolen vehicles, and 2,937 rounds of ammunition were seized. Among those arrested was a notorious kidnapper, Ablo, who had been terrorizing the Ihiala area of Anambra and neighboring states, including Enugu and Delta.
Ikenga stated, âEfforts to curb crime and criminality are yielding positive results. Over 300 suspects have been arrested for various offenses, with over 30 convictions secured so far, and trials are ongoing. We rescued 14 kidnapped victims unharmed and recovered 43 unexploded IEDs.â
The recovered arms include AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, and locally made pistols. Ikenga further noted the retrieval of stolen motorcycles and other items during ongoing investigations.
He explained that some suspects linked to violent crimes and unprovoked attacks on security operatives and civilians in 2024 were neutralized during shootouts, while others were apprehended through collaborative operations with joint security forces.
Major Breakthroughs in 2024
Highlighting the Commandâs achievements, Ikenga said:
The masterminds behind the attack on RRS operatives in Uruagu Nnewi were neutralized.
An 18-year-old boy was arrested for planning a cult-related killing in Nibo, leading to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle hidden in an Awka apartment.
Several criminal camps, including a notorious one in Nimo, Njikoka LGA, were destroyed, resulting in the recovery of 19 unexploded IEDs.
A notorious kidnapper, Pablo, who had been operating in Ihiala, Enugu, and Delta States, was apprehended.
Two cultists in Awka were arrested, leading to the recovery of a pump-action gun, live cartridges, a cutlass, charms, and suspected hard drugs.
Rescue Operations and Advocacy
The Command rescued two female victims who had been sexually assaulted by their captors. Ikenga also noted that the Command initiated security advocacy programs, including visits to Local Government Headquarters and the establishment of a Community Policing Committee to foster collaboration and promote public involvement in security.
Rescue of Stolen Children
In another development, police operatives rescued three children allegedly stolen from Bauchi State and sold in Anambra. Four suspects, including an illegal foster mother, were arrested. One child has been identified, and efforts are underway to reunite them with their family.
Ikenga called on the public to help identify the rescued children. He also narrated a tragic incident where two suspects murdered their brother, Chibuzor Okeke, after accusing him of burglary. The suspects, Chidiebere Okeke and Emebo Ogochukwu, buried the deceased in a shallow grave to conceal the crime.
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