Dare Babalola
The Anambra State Police Command has taken four more suspects into custody in connection with the killing of three Cameroonian nationals in the state.
The suspects allegedly abducted and killed the victims in November 2025, disposing of their bodies in a river in Anambra West Local Government Area.
Their decomposing bodies were later found floating in the river by police operatives.
The command initiated an investigation after the bodies were found, resulting in the arrest of two suspects who were cooperating with authorities.
According to a statement released on Monday by Tochukwu Ikenga, Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, four additional suspects were arrested by security operatives on February 13, 2026, following information provided by the two suspects already in custody.
Ikenga stated that the suspects, all male, were apprehended at a shrine in Nando, Anambra East LGA, following an intense shootout.
He added that two pump action guns, one locally made Beretta pistol, one machete, assorted ammunition and criminal charms were recovered from the suspects during the arrest.
He said the operation was carried out by command operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu.
The statement read in part, “The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the murder of three Cameroonian nationals in the State.
“The suspects, all males, include the alleged Chief Priest of a shrine, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, also known as ‘Ugoebenajah,’ aged 27 years, alongside Nwabunne Bright (27 years), Chinecherem Chiama (21 years) and Michael Ekwunife (38 years) respectively.
“The team also recovered two pump-action guns, one locally made Beretta pistol, one machete, assorted charms, expanded ammunition, 10 live cartridges and five live 9mm ammunition in Nando community, Anambra East Local Government Area.
“This feat was recorded on February 13, 2026. Given the confession of the two earlier arrested suspects in custody, the Command Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu swiftly mobilised to the identified shrine in Nando.
“On approaching the shrine, about 30 able-bodied men were observed gathered at the premises. Upon sighting the Police, the armed men opened fire on the operatives.
“The Police operatives responded professionally, engaging the armed men in a gun duel. While the prime suspect, Uchenna Mmaduamaka Nicholas, a native of Oroma Etiti Anam, escaped alongside other gang members with bullet wounds.
“Also, during the gun battle, one of the arrested armed suspects sustained a bullet injury on the thigh and was immediately taken to a hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.”
Ikenga added that the arrested suspects are currently undergoing interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang.
“The Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and urges members of the public to continue to provide useful information that will aid ongoing investigations.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” he added.
