According to a police statement issued by the then Police Public Relations Officer, SP Haruna Mohammed, the arrests and rescue operation formed part of the command’s efforts to combat criminal activities across Anambra State.
Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robbers, Recover Pistol
The command said operatives attached to its Anti-Robbery Squad arrested three suspected armed robbery and murder suspects in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on January 1, 2019, at about 5:30 a.m., following an intelligence report.
The suspects were identified as Chukwu Efe, 25; Tobenna Onwujuobi, 22; and Nchekwube Ikpeabu, also known as Uta, 28.
Police alleged that the suspects were linked to several armed robbery incidents in Anambra State, including the robbery attack and murder of Emeka Uzochukwu on November 30, 2018, and the murder of Emeka Chukwubelu on November 27, 2018, in Nnewi.
The command said a Beretta pistol and a Toyota Camry with registration number VB 249 KJA were recovered during the operation.
It added that investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Suspected Car Snatcher Arrested in Obosi
In a separate operation, police detectives attached to the Obosi Division, working with a local vigilante group, arrested a 31-year-old man identified as Derick Akpojuekwe on January 3, 2019, following a tip-off.
The suspect, a native of Warri, Delta State, was alleged to specialise in car snatching and armed robbery in Anambra and Delta states.
Police said a Toyota Corolla with registration number DXZ 689 KM was recovered from him. The vehicle was allegedly snatched at gunpoint in Warri and taken to Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The command said the case was under investigation, adding that the suspect would be charged in court after the investigation.
Police Rescue Abducted 13-Year-Old Boy
The police also reported the rescue of a 13-year-old boy, Emmanuel Okafor Chinecherem, who was allegedly abducted by six men in a red car on February 1, 2019, at about 10 p.m.
The incident reportedly occurred in Aguluzoigbo, Aniocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, while the boy was running an errand for his parents.
According to the police, the abductors took the boy towards the Onitsha axis.
Following the report, a patrol team attached to the Awada Division pursued the suspects, forcing them to abandon the victim before fleeing into a crowd along Oraifite Street, Awada.
The boy was rescued in stable condition and reunited with his family.
The command said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Police Urge Residents to Report Suspicious Activities
The Anambra State Police Command urged members of the public to provide useful information about suspicious persons and movements to help prevent crime and improve security.
Residents were advised to report such information to the nearest police station or call the command’s emergency number, 07039194332, for prompt response.