The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate that has been terrorising residents around Amansea and Awka.
According to a statement by the Command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Tuesday, the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following credible intelligence. Two pump-action rifles and nine live cartridges were also recovered during the raid.
Ikenga revealed that the suspects — identified as Chigozie Igboekwu (31), Odumegwu Chibuike (23), Jonah Awudu (40), and Okechukwu Nwari (33) — confessed to abducting two victims in Amansea on August 12, 2025. The victims were held in a bush at Ugwuoba, Enugu State, for two days before being released after a ransom of ₦5 million was paid.
He noted that the case, initially reported at B Division, Awka, was transferred to the Rapid Response Squad on August 14 for further investigation.
Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminals and assured residents of improved security.
“The suspects will be charged to court after investigations, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang,” Ikenga added.
Just last week, the police also arrested a deserter soldier and four others linked to a similar kidnapping and armed robbery network in the state.
