The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a deadly armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate, including a confessed deserter of the Nigerian Army, recovering a cache of arms, ammunition, and other incriminating items.
The suspects were nabbed on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, after operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, stormed their hideout at Notoko, Awka, following intelligence that linked the gang to the abduction of a farmer at Isiagu, Awka South Local Government Area. The victim was said to have been released after ransom was paid.
Parading the suspects, Police identified them as Michael Nwobodo (30), Eze Friday (29), Uche Okolo (23), Chinedu Gilbert (29), and Dominic Oraz (38), who confessed to being a deserted soldier of the Nigerian Army since November 2024.
Items recovered from the gang include six pump-action rifles, 63 live cartridges, five machetes, three Motorola walkie-talkies, one robber’s rocket launcher, criminal charms, a pair of handcuffs, two police teargas canisters, a military cap, a microscope, one jack knife, one power bank, and ₦26,000 in cash.
Speaking on the development, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS, PhD, praised the officers for what he described as “a courageous and timely operation that prevented further violent crimes in the state.”
“The suspects have been on our radar following intelligence reports linking them to several violent crimes, including the kidnap-for-ransom case at Isiagu. I commend our operatives for their gallantry and swift action,” Orutugu stated.
He assured residents of the Command’s commitment to ensuring safety across Anambra, while urging communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
“We call on Ndi Anambra to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and always report suspicious movements or activities to the police. Together, we will defeat these criminal elements and secure our communities,” the CP added.
Confirming the case, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said investigations are ongoing and necessary communications have been established with relevant military authorities concerning the confessed deserter.
The suspects, he added, will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
