by Deborah Nnamdi
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspects allegedly involved in armed robbery and kidnapping activities around the Amansea and Awka areas.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025.
During the operation, two pump-action guns and nine live cartridges were recovered from the suspects in Amansea, Awka.
Ikenga revealed that the suspects confessed to kidnapping two victims on August 12, 2025, at about 7 p.m. in Amansea. The victims were held for two days in a forest in Ugwuoba, Enugu State, before being released after a ransom of ₦5 million was paid.
The case was initially reported to the B Division, Awka, on August 14, 2025, before being transferred to the Rapid Response Squad for further investigation.
The arrested suspects have been identified as: Chigozie Igboekwu, 31, Odumegwu Chibuike, 23, Jonah Awudu, 40, and
Okechukwu Nwari, 33.
SP Ikenga noted that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang. He also confirmed that the case will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their efforts and reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to tackling crime and ensuring public safety.
In a related development, the Command last week also announced the arrest of a deserter soldier and four others linked to armed robbery and kidnapping. The suspects were part of a syndicate reportedly involved in the abduction of a victim from his farmland in Isiagu, Awka. The victim was later released after a ransom was paid.
