The Anambra State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects in separate operations across the state, recovering firearms, ammunition, charms, suspected illicit drugs, cult-related insignias, dangerous weapons and a stolen vehicle.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, saying the arrests were part of the Command’s sustained intelligence-led operations against cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
According to Ikenga, operatives of the Okpoko Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout around Coca-Cola Market, Okpoko, on September 30 and arrested 20-year-old Somtochukwu Ezeibe.
He said the police recovered a locally made double-barrel pistol, one live cartridge and charms from the suspect, while a follow-up search at his residence led to the recovery of a Vikings Confraternity beret and peak cap.
“Preliminary investigation revealed alleged involvement in cult-related activities,” Ikenga said, adding that Ezeibe provided information which assisted the police in identifying other persons allegedly connected with the group.
The PPRO said the information subsequently led to the arrest of eight additional suspects on October 5. They were identified as Chinonso Njoku, Tochukwu Ogbonna, Chidiebere Anokwuru, Chidera Nwakpa, Nweke Chibuike, Somadina Otubo, Chibueze Ikechukwu and Obum James.
Ikenga said the eight suspects had been transferred to the Anti-Cult Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He further disclosed that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, working with Agunechemba Vigilante, Onitsha Sector, arrested four suspects on October 4 over an alleged conspiracy and armed robbery.
The suspects were identified as Dennis Ngwu, Elvis Udo Effiong, Femi Adekoya and Chijioke Obinozie, with large quantities of suspected illicit substances reportedly recovered from them.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are allegedly members of a six-man gang suspected of robbing shuttle bus operators at gunpoint and diverting company goods within Onitsha,” Ikenga said.
He added that the suspects reportedly made statements implicating themselves in the alleged offences, including the diversion of goods valued at approximately ₦40 million.
According to the PPRO, investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and identify other persons who may be connected to the activities.
Meanwhile, Ikenga said operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), during an intelligence-led patrol on October 5, recovered an abandoned green Toyota Highlander at Ogidi.
He said preliminary findings indicated that the vehicle was allegedly snatched from its owner at Ogidi Building Materials on August 16, 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, assured Ndi Anambra that the Command would sustain its intelligence-led operations against cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The Commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing the police with credible and timely information, assuring them that such information would be treated with appropriate confidentiality and acted upon professionally.
