The Anambra State Police Command has sustained its intelligence-led operations against criminal elements across the state, arresting 13 suspects in separate operations and recovering firearms, ammunition, charms, cult-related insignia, suspected illicit drugs, dangerous weapons and a stolen vehicle.
Angel Network News (ANN) gathered that on September 30, 2026, operatives of the Okpoko Police Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout around Coca-Cola Market, Okpoko, and arrested 20-year-old Somtochukwu Ezeibe.
Recovered from the suspect were one locally made double-barrel pistol, one live cartridge and charms. A follow-up search at his residence also led to the recovery of a Vikings Confraternity beret and peak cap.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed the suspect’s alleged involvement in cult-related activities. According to the police, information provided by Ezeibe assisted investigators in identifying other persons allegedly connected to the group.
Consequently, on October 5, 2026, 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 since been transferred to the Anti-Cult Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP. Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement that on October 4, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, in collaboration with Agunechemba Vigilante, Onitsha Sector, arrested four suspects in connection with an alleged conspiracy and armed robbery.
The suspects are Dennis Ngwu, Elvis Udo Effiong, Femi Adekoya and Chijioke Obinozie. Large quantities of suspected illicit substances were reportedly recovered from them.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are allegedly members of a six-man gang suspected of robbing shuttle bus operators at gunpoint and diverting company goods within Onitsha.
The police said the suspects reportedly made statements implicating themselves in the alleged offences, including the diversion of goods valued at approximately ₦40 million.
Investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and identify other persons who may be connected to the activities.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), during an intelligence-led patrol on October 5, recovered an abandoned green Toyota Highlander at Ogidi.
Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicle was allegedly snatched from its owner at Ogidi Building Materials on August 16, 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, reassured Ndi Anambra that the Command would sustain its intelligence-led operations against cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
CP. Oji Ama also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to the police, assuring them that such information would be treated with appropriate confidentiality and acted upon professionally.
