The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended a suspected officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, alongside two other individuals, over an alleged robbery incident in Ogidi, located in Idemili North Local Government Area.
This development was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday in Awka by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
Ikenga noted that the command has continued to record significant breakthroughs in its ongoing efforts to strengthen security and ensure public safety across the state.
“The latest arrest of three suspected armed robbers and cultists, and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and a stolen petrol tanker in separate operations is a testimony.”
According to him, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) based in Awkuzu acted on credible intelligence on March 21 at about 1:46 p.m., leading them to raid a suspected criminal hideout in Ogidi where the suspects were arrested.
Those apprehended were identified as Francis Anene, 46; Emmanuel Obi, 29; and Okoye Chinonso, 35, with one of them alleged to be an active member of a security agency.
Recovered items during the operation included two locally fabricated Beretta pistols, four rounds of live 9mm ammunition, and a suspected fake security identification card.
Preliminary findings, Ikenga said, suggest that the suspects belong to a criminal syndicate allegedly linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, and acts of terror within Ogidi and surrounding communities.
He added that the suspects are also under investigation for their possible connection to the killing of the late President-General of Ogidi.
In a separate development, the police also recovered a suspected stolen white petrol tanker in the early hours of March 17 along the Onitsha/Owerri Expressway. The operation was carried out by officers attached to the Ozubulu Police Division.
“The vehicle was found without a registration number and key in the ignition, reportedly abandoned by an unidentified individual,” Ikenga said.
He added that efforts are ongoing to identify the rightful owner of the tanker and determine the circumstances surrounding its abandonment.
Ikenga further confirmed that investigations into both incidents are still in progress.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining security and protecting lives and property.
He also called on residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information that could aid in crime prevention and control.
