The Anambra State Police Command has arrested nine suspects after intercepting two vehicles allegedly transporting illegal firearms in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, comprising seven males and two females, were apprehended during a stop-and-search operation at a checkpoint in Isuofia in the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026.
The Punch reported that the operation was conducted by the Joint Operation Base, Aguata, led by the Chief Superintendent of Police, Austin Elaigwu, alongside personnel from other security agencies.
The agencies involved included the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Immigration Service and operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit.
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, a search of the vehicles resulted in the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, charms and other items believed to be relevant to the investigation.
The vehicles, identified as a custom-coloured Sienna and an ash-coloured Toyota RAV4, were subsequently taken into custody alongside the suspects and the recovered items.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command, through the Joint Operation Base, Aguata, led by the Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Austin Elaigwu, in the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026, in collaboration with other security agencies comprising the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Immigration Service, as well as operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit, intercepted two vehicles during a stop-and-search operation at a checkpoint in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“The vehicles, a custom-coloured Sienna and an ash-coloured Toyota RAV4, were intercepted, leading to the arrest of nine suspects comprising seven males and two females.
“A thorough search of the vehicles led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, charms and other items considered relevant to the ongoing investigation.
“The suspects and the recovered items were immediately taken into custody for questioning and further investigation.”
Ikenga said the suspects, during preliminary interrogation, claimed they were security operatives operating in a neighbouring state.
“However, they were unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their identities, affiliations, possession of the firearms and the purpose of their movement into Anambra State.
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the operatives for a job well done and encouraged them to remain vigilant, noting that the recovery was the result of intelligence-led policing and effective stop-and-search operations,” he added.
The police said the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue into the source of the firearms and their intended purpose.
