The Anambra State Police Command has made significant strides in combating crime, announcing the arrest of over 300 suspects and the rescue of numerous victims during a press briefing held at the Police Command Headquarters in Awka.
Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, revealed that the Command has made notable progress in tackling various criminal activities from January 2024 to the present, including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, child trafficking, and public disturbances.
Key achievements include:
The arrest of over 300 suspects for various crimes, with more than 30 convictions secured and ongoing trials.
The rescue of 14 kidnapped victims unharmed.
The recovery of 43 unexploded improvised devices and 100 firearms, including AK47 rifles and locally made pistols.
Over 2,900 rounds of ammunition and 40 stolen vehicles have been recovered.
A number of criminal camps were dismantled, with one significant operation in Nimo, Njikoka LGA, leading to the recovery of 19 unexploded devices.
The Command also reported the arrest of Pablo, a notorious kidnapper who has been terrorizing Anambra, Enugu, and Delta States, along with the recovery of criminal arms and drugs in separate operations. Additionally, two cultists were arrested in Awka, and two female victims were rescued from sexual abuse.
In a remarkable move today, the police successfully rescued three children allegedly stolen from Bauchi State, leading to the arrest of four suspects, including an illegal foster mother. Efforts are underway to reunite the children with their parents.
The Command also uncovered a murder case in Oko, where two suspects, Chidiebere Okeke and Emebo Ogochukwu, murdered their brother, Chibuzor Okeke, over accusations of burglary. The suspects buried the body in a shallow grave in an attempt to cover up the crime.
In an ongoing effort to improve security, the Anambra State Police is launching Operation Udo Ga Chi and strengthening its community policing strategies to ensure the safety of residents.
CP Obono Itam extended gratitude to Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Governor Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, sister agencies, media partners, and all stakeholders for their continuous support in enhancing the state’s security.
The police chief concluded with a call for continued cooperation, emphasizing that “security is everyone’s business” and urging the public to report any suspicious activities.
