By Karen James
Police Arrest Five Suspects for Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, and Unlawful Possession of Firearms
Awka, February 23, 2025 – The Anambra State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police (CP) Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD, has recorded significant breakthroughs in crime-fighting following an ongoing security operational review and safety emplacement strategy.
In separate operations, police operatives arrested five suspects, recovered a locally made Beretta pistol, and retrieved a suspected stolen vehicle, reinforcing the effectiveness of the state’s intensified security measures.
Three Arrested for Armed Robbery in Igbariam
In the early hours of February 22, 2025, operatives from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad raided a criminal hideout in Igbariam, leading to the arrest of Miracle Chukwunoso, Chinweze Charles, and Bonaventure Chigozie—all males between the ages of 20 and 26.
During the operation, police recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol. The suspects were positively identified by victims who had been attacked and robbed, with one victim reporting that ₦254,000 was forcefully withdrawn from his account on February 21, 2025, along Otoko, Igbariam.
Swift Response Foils Kidnapping, Two Suspects Arrested
In another development, on February 16, 2025, at about 2:00 PM, officers from the 3-3 Divisional Headquarters swiftly responded to a kidnap incident near Ejison Fuel Station along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. The victim was rescued, and a diligent police follow-up led to the arrest of two suspects (names withheld to aid further investigations).
A stolen ash-colored Toyota Corolla, allegedly belonging to the victim, was recovered from a mechanic workshop in the 3-3 area. The victim reported that during his captivity, the kidnappers forcefully withdrew over ₦1,000,000 from his account and also stole two phones valued at ₦820,000.
Legal Actions Underway
According to the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, all five suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
CP Orutugu has assured Ndi Anambra that the Police Command remains committed to flushing out criminal elements and ensuring a safer environment for all residents. He urged the public to continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities promptly.
