By Jude Atupulazi
The Anambra State Police Command has rounded up a five-man armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate at their hideout at Ntoko, Awka, following a swift operation on 27th August.
This came as a result of a report that a victim was abducted on his farmland at Isiagu, Awka, and later released after ransom was paid.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, stormed the hideout of the suspects, leading to the arrest of the following persons: Michael Nwobodo, 30 years; Eze Friday, 29 years; Uche Okolo, 23 years; Chinedu Gilbert, 29 years; and Dominic Oraz, 38 years (a confessed deserter from the Nigerian Army).
A press statement signed by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Awka,
28th August, said exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 6 automatic pump-action guns; 63 rounds of live cartridges; one microscope; 5 machetes; one military cap; 2 police teargas canisters; handcuffs; a robber’s rocket launcher; criminal charms; 3 Motorola walkie-talkies; one jack knife; one power bank and a cash sum of ₦26, 000.00.
‘During interrogation, one of the suspects, Dominic Oraz, confessed to having deserted the Nigerian Army in November 2024. Meanwhile, necessary enquiries have commenced with the authorities to guide police action and prosecution of other suspects.
‘The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, while commending the operatives for their gallantry, urged residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant and to continue to report suspicious activities to the police for prompt action. He also assured the people of Anambra State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating violent crimes,’ the statement read.
