Awka: The Anambra State Police Command has dismantled a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate operating near Awka, the state capital.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued to reporters in Awka on Thursday.
Ikenga stated that the suspects were caught, following a report that somebody was abducted on his farm at Isiagu, and later released after ransom was paid.
“The command in a swift operation on August 27, caught five suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate.”
According to him, acting on credible intelligence, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, stormed the suspects’ hideout at Notoko, Awka.
“The operation led to the detention of the following persons: Michael Nwobodo, male, 30, Friday Eze, male, 29, Uche Okolo, male, 23, Chinedu Gilbert, male, 29 and Dominic Oraz, male, 38,” the PPRO added.
He further stated that some of the exhibits recovered from the suspects included six automatic pump-action guns, 63 rounds of live cartridges, one microscope, five machetes, one military cap, two police teargas canisters and handcuffs.
Other items included a rocket launcher, charms, three Motorola walkie-talkies, a jackknife, a power bank, and ₦26,000 in cash.
The police spokesman said that during interrogation, Oraz confessed to having deserted the Nigerian Army in November 2024.
He said that the command had commenced an enquiry with the army authorities to guide the police action and prosecution of other suspects.
Ikenga quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, as commending the operatives for their gallantry.
Orutugu was also reported to have urged residents of the state to remain law-abiding and vigilant, and to continue reporting suspicious activities to the police for prompt action.
“He also assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to combating violent crimes in the state,” the statement added.
