THE Anambra State Police Command has intensified its intelligence-led offensive against criminal elements across the state, arresting 13 suspects in separate operations and recovering firearms, ammunition, charms, suspected illicit drugs, dangerous weapons, cult-related insignias and a stolen vehicle.
The Command, in a statement issued on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operations were carried out between 30 September and 5 October 2026 by operatives of various tactical and divisional formations.
The police said operatives of Okpoko Division, acting on credible intelligence on 30 September, raided a suspected criminal hideout around Coca-Cola Market, Okpoko, where they arrested 20-year-old Somtochukwu Ezeibe.
Recovered from the suspect, according to the Command, were one locally-made double-barrel pistol, one live cartridge and charms.
A follow-up search of Ezeibe’s residence allegedly led to the recovery of a Vikings Confraternity beret and peak cap.
The Command said preliminary investigation indicated the suspect’s alleged involvement in cult-related activities, adding that information obtained from him assisted detectives in identifying other persons allegedly connected with the group.
Consequently, police operatives on 5 October arrested eight additional suspects, identified as Chinonso Njoku, Tochukwu Ogbonna, Chidiebere Anokwuru, Chidera Nwakpa, Nweke Chibuike, Somadina Otubo, Chibueze Ikechukwu and Obum James.
The suspects, the police said, have been transferred to the Anti-Cult Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a related development, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, in collaboration with Agunechemba Vigilante, Onitsha Sector, arrested four suspects on 4 October over alleged conspiracy and armed robbery.
The suspects were identified as Dennis Ngwu, Elvis Udo Effiong, Femi Adekoya and Chijioke Obinozie.
The police said large quantities of suspected illicit substances were recovered from the suspects.
Preliminary investigation, according to the Command, indicated that the four suspects were allegedly members of a six-man gang suspected of robbing shuttle bus operators at gunpoint and diverting company goods within Onitsha.
The suspects reportedly made statements implicating themselves in the alleged offences, including the diversion of goods valued at approximately ₦40 million.
The Command, however, said investigation was still ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and identify other persons who might be connected to the activities.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), during an intelligence-led patrol on 5 October, recovered an abandoned green Toyota Highlander at Ogidi.
Preliminary findings indicated that the vehicle was allegedly snatched from its owner at Ogidi Building Materials on 16 August 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, reassured residents of the state’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations against cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
CP Ama urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide the police with credible and timely information capable of assisting in the fight against crime.
He assured members of the public that such information would be treated with appropriate confidentiality and acted upon professionally.
