Anambra Police Nab 300 Suspects, Recover 43 Improvised Devices, 2937 Ammunition

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has disclosed that over 300 suspects have been arrested for various crimes in the state.

He said the Command secured 15 convictions with other ongoing trials.

Parading the suspects on Monday at the Command Headquarters, Itam further revealed that 14 kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt.

He said the arrests were some of the notable breakthroughs recorded by the Command from January 2024 – to date.

He said, “We recovered over 43 unexploded improvised devices. We have also recovered over 100 different brands of Arms which include AK47, Pump action guns, locally made pistols, and others.

“We have equally recovered over 2937 ammunition of various types. We have so far recovered about forty (40) stolen vehicles.

“We have also recovered different brands of motorcycles, amongst other exhibits in ongoing investigations.

“It is worthy to note that some of the suspects involved in various disheartening and unfortunate incidents as well as unprovoked attacks on security operatives and unsuspecting members of the public witnessed last year were eliminated during shootouts.

“Others were arrested in the cause of separate operations by the Police and Joint Security forces.

Some of the breakthroughs to mention but a few are: Elimination of the Master-minds of the attack on Police Operatives attached to RRS in Uruagu Nnewi.

“The arrest of an 18 years old boy over a planned cult killing in Nibo that led to the recovery of one AK-47 riffle hidden on the roof of an apartment in Awka.

“Destruction of so many criminal camps, but the most notable is that of Nimo, Njikoka LGA which led to the recovery of 19 unexploded devices.

“Arrest of a notorious and wanted kidnapper, named Pablo, who has been terrorizing Ihiala, Anambra State and other areas in Enugu and Delta States.

“Arrest of two notorious cultists in Awka that led to the recovery of one Pump action gun, four live cartridges, Cutlass, Criminal Charms, and substances suspected to be hard drugs. The Operatives also rescued two female victims who the suspects have forcibly abused sexually.

“Last year under review witnessed successful Local Government Elections in the State. Also, in the drive to fight all forms of criminalities, the Command embarked on security advocacy visits to Local Government Headquarters and established a Community Policing Committee to foster community engagement.

“Individuals were also encouraged to take ownership of security, promote a culture of security and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, including the government and other organizations. These notwithstanding, many other successes were recorded.

“In another significant development today, the Command rescued three (3) children allegedly stolen from their parents in Bauchi State and sold to another in the State. The Operatives also arrested four suspects including an illegal foster mother.

“The suspects confessed to the crime and narrated the role that each of them played. One of the children has been identified and efforts are already emplaced to unite the child with his parents. The Command wishes to use this opportunity to request that you assist to share the pictures of these innocent children for possible identification and unification with their parents.

The CP noted that the focus of the Command for the year was to consolidate on the gains in crime prevention and restoration of Law and Order towards improving the safety and security of lives in Anambra State.

“By the robust advocacy on Community Policing Principles, the launch of “Operation Udo Ga Chi”, the State Police Command has expressed its willingness to stamp out crime and other forms of criminalities from our State.

“Lastly, I want to extend our gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, *IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his guidance and overall support.

“I also appreciate the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo sister Agencies, the Media, residents of the State, Anambra State Vigilantes operatives, Civil society groups, Organizations and many others for their unflinching support.

“Please be assured that the confidence reposed on us for protection of lives and properties is not to be taken for granted.

“Thanks so much for your rapt attention and looking forward to your cooperation through accurate reportage. As you know, security is everyone’s business. If you see something, say something and the Police will do something. Please feel free to verify the facts before going to the Press.