Dare Babalola
The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended three individuals suspected of armed robbery and cultism, and has recovered various weapons, ammunition, and a stolen petrol tanker in separate operations conducted across the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, announced in a Sunday statement that operatives from the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, carried out the arrests on March 21, 2026, at about 1:46 pm.
The spokesperson stated that the suspects were arrested following a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, carried out by police acting on credible intelligence.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command has continued to record significant operational successes in its sustained efforts to enhance safety and security across the state, with the latest arrest of three suspected armed robbers/cultists and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and a stolen petrol tanker in separate operations.
“Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, on March 21, 2026, at about 1:46 pm, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
“During the operation, three suspects were arrested, namely: Francis Chukwuka Anene, 46; Emmanuel Obi, 29; and Okoye Chinonso, 35, an alleged serving member of a security agency.
“Items recovered from the suspects include two locally made Beretta pistols, four rounds of live 9 mm ammunition, and a suspected fake security agency identity card.”
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects are part of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, and terrorising the Ogidi community and surrounding areas, Ikenga said.
“The suspects are also being investigated for possible involvement in the gruesome murder of the late President General of Ogidi,” the statement added.
In a separate development, Ikenga said police personnel attached to the Ozubulu Police Division recovered a suspected stolen white trailer tanker in the early hours of March 17, 2026, abandoned along the Onitsha/Owerri Expressway.
He said the vehicle was found without a registration number, with the key in the ignition, reportedly abandoned by an unidentified individual.
“The Command has commenced efforts to trace the owner of the tanker and unravel the circumstances surrounding its abandonment, as investigations continue on both incidents.
“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reassures Ndi Anambra of the Command’s commitment to sustaining safety and urges members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information,” he added.
