The Abia State Police Command says it has arrested 13 male suspects in separate operations targeting armed robbery, vandalism of public infrastructure and unlawful possession of firearms across the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the arrests were made through intelligence-driven operations carried out by different police units.
According to her, the police recovered several weapons and other items from the suspects, including a locally made pistol, a locally made single-barrel gun, a Beretta pistol, a pump-action gun, live cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, walkie-talkies, face masks, berets and substances suspected to be hard drugs.
Chinaka said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested Uchenna Agbneiwu, 27, an indigene of Nkume in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, who resides in Ubakala, Umuahia.
“He was found in possession of a vandalised large galvanised pipeline concealed with sawdust in a white Toyota Hiace bus. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects,” she said.
She also disclosed that on Sunday, operatives in Aba North arrested Williams Ifeanyi, 27, along Market Road in Aba for allegedly robbing a victim at gunpoint.
“The suspect accosted and dispossessed a victim of his bag and personal belongings. A pistol and live cartridges were recovered from him,” Chinaka stated.
The police spokesperson further revealed that intelligence-led operations by officers attached to the Urrata Divisional Police Station led to the arrest of John Chigozie, 25, and David Anyaka, 26, in connection with an armed robbery at a hotel in Aba on August 1.
“A pistol and live ammunition were recovered from the suspects, while investigation is ongoing,” she added.
Chinaka said another operation on August 4 led to the arrest of suspected cult members during a meeting at Umuezeagwu in Umuahia North.
“Operatives acting on credible intelligence apprehended members of a violent criminal group during their meeting. Recovered exhibits include one pump-action gun, one Beretta pistol, live cartridges, one cutlass, one axe, substances suspected to be hard drugs, walkie-talkies, one face mask, two red berets and one black beret. Investigation is ongoing,” she said.
She reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, preventing crime and maintaining law and order across the state.
The police also urged residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information on criminal activities to the nearest police station.
