Dare Babalola
The Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of Kalu Okafor, a 43-year-old suspected kidnapper allegedly linked to a proscribed secessionist group operating in the state.
The police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed in a Thursday statement that the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu arrested the suspect in Okpoko, Ogbaru LGA, during a Wednesday morning operation.
According to Ikenga, the arrest followed a confession by detained gang member, Chukwudi Nwakpa, who revealed that Okafor had been tasked with storing the group’s firearms after kidnapping operations.
The police recovered an AK-47 rifle, pump-action gun, two AK-47 magazines, 88 rounds of ammunition, two face masks, and two hand gloves during the operation.
The statement read in part, “The Anambra State Police Command, in continuation of ongoing investigations into a case of conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, and car snatching linked to the activities of a proscribed secessionist group, arrested another criminal gang member, Kalu Okafor ‘M’, aged 43 years.
“The police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu arrested the suspect at Okpoko, Ogbaru LGA, in the early hours of December 3, 2025.
“During the operations, the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, two AK-47 magazines, 88 rounds of ammunition, two face masks, and two hand gloves.
“The feat was recorded following the confession of one of the gang members, Chukwudi Nwakpa, who has been in custody, stating how they handed over their firearms to Kalu Okafor for safekeeping after each kidnapping operation.
“Also, Kalu further admitted that he received returns from the proceeds of ransom collected from kidnapped victims.”
Ikenga stated that Okafor is currently working with the police, providing information to help track down other gang members and potentially recover more arms.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” he added.
This latest arrest comes on the heels of a similar operation where the command arrested Emmanuel Osuigwe, another suspected member of a banned secessionist group, in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo LGA, following a raid on a hideout in Ukpor, Nnewi South LGA.
The police said the recent operations were part of heightened security surveillance and raids ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, across the state.
