The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four men alleged to be members of a kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate operating around Amansea and Awka.
The suspects — identified as Chigozie Igboekwu (31), Odumegwu Chibuike (23), Jonah Awudu (40), and Okechukwu Nwari (33) — were apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025.
Police said two pump-action guns and nine live cartridges were recovered during the operation.
Spokesman for the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday.
He said, “The suspects voluntarily confessed to kidnapping two victims on August 12, 2025, around 7pm in Amansea, Awka. They kept the victims for two days in a bush at Ugwuoba, Enugu State, before collecting ransom money and releasing them.”
Ikenga explained that the arrest followed credible intelligence on a case earlier reported at B Division, Awka, where a ransom of ₦5 million was paid before the victims regained freedom.
He added, “This operation demonstrates the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal gangs and ensuring the safety of Ndi Anambra. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has commended the resilience of our operatives.”
The police said the suspects will be charged in court after investigations are concluded, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate.
The command recently announced the arrest of a deserter soldier and four others for similar offences, reinforcing concerns about the growing activities of kidnapping gangs in the state.
