The Abia State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on crime, arresting multiple suspects across the state for offences ranging from armed robbery and murder to child stealing and unlawful possession of firearms.
The operations, carried out throughout March 2026 based on actionable intelligence, led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, stolen items, and suspected hard drugs, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chioma Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.
Among the key arrests, operatives of the Serious Crime Investigation Squad apprehended three suspects allegedly conducting illegal stop-and-search operations with intent to rob motorists.
“Two locally made cut-to-size double barrel guns, two locally made single barrel guns and two live cartridges were recovered from them,” the statement said, adding that the suspects have been charged to court.
In a separate operation, police raided a criminal hideout in Isieke Ugwueke, arresting four suspects and recovering expended cartridges, local gun powder, tramadol, and substances suspected to be hard drugs.
The Command also recorded a breakthrough in a defilement case involving a 13-year-old girl.
“Operatives… arrested Ebere Christian Sunday… who along two of his male friends, currently at large, defiled a 13-year-old girl and threatened her with a knife,” the statement revealed, noting that the suspect has confessed while efforts are ongoing to arrest others.
In another development, police arrested two suspects over the alleged theft of a two-week-old baby girl in Obingwa Local Government Area, with investigations ongoing to rescue the child and apprehend accomplices.
The Command further confirmed multiple murder-related arrests, including a suspect accused of killing his girlfriend and another linked to a fatal stabbing incident following an altercation.
In addition, a suspected armed robber was apprehended along Umuaku Isuochi road, with police recovering a revolver pistol, live ammunition, and other exhibits. Several other suspects were also arrested for burglary, receiving stolen property, and unlawful possession of firearms.
In a major operation in Uturu, security operatives arrested 14 suspects allegedly involved in armed robbery and vandalism at a student lodge, recovering machetes and stolen phones.
Police also intercepted a suspected cult clash in Umuahia, arresting one suspect and recovering a locally made pistol and live cartridges, while efforts continue to track fleeing gang members.
The Command further recovered a stolen tricycle within 24 hours of the report, after it was tracked to an uncompleted building in Umuahia.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Command called for continued collaboration with residents.
“The Abia State Police Command… reiterates its commitment in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the state,” Chinaka stated.
She urged members of the public to support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities, adding: “We assure the good people of Abia State of our dedication and utmost professionalism in the discharge of our duties.”
The police said all suspects have either been charged to court or are under active investigation, as efforts continue to rid the state of criminal elements.
