By Karen James
The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of residents. In two separate operations carried out on Saturday, December 7, 2024, the Command arrested suspected cultists and robbers, rescued two rape victims, and recovered arms and vandalized materials.
Acting on credible intelligence, Police operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Squad raided a notorious black spot in Umunaga Village, Awka South Local Government Area, during late hours on Saturday.
• Okechukwu Chinwuko (27 years old) of Umunaga Village
• Ezenwa Chinedu (22 years old) of Umuneri Village
Items recovered during the operation include:
• One pump-action gun
• Four live cartridges
• A cutlass
• Criminal charms
• Substances suspected to be hard drugs
The operatives also rescued two female victims who had been subjected to sexual assault by the suspects. The victims are receiving medical attention and counseling, while the suspects are undergoing interrogation to uncover the extent of their criminal activities.
In a separate operation on the same day, police operatives from the Igbo-Ukwu Divisional Headquarters disrupted the activities of suspected economic saboteurs who were vandalizing telecommunications infrastructure.
At the scene, located near the MTN Mast opposite Saint Martin’s Catholic Church in Umudege, Igbo-Ukwu, the suspects fled upon sighting the police. However, the following items were recovered from their abandoned white Peugeot J5 Boxer bus (Reg. No: AKL 896 XB):
• A vandalized Lister electricity generator
• Pipes, a roller, and an iron bar
• A large plier, screwdriver, and metal cutter
• A pair of black canvas
The Anambra State Police Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and called on residents to provide any information that could aid their investigation.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer, reassured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order. “We appeal to members of the public, especially residents in the affected areas, to assist the police with useful information to track these criminals and bring them to justice,” he said.
The Command has emphasized its determination to ensure that justice is served while continuing its proactive measures to safeguard lives and property across the state. Further updates on the investigation and arrests will be provided in due course.
