The Anambra State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects in separate operations across the state, recovering firearms, ammunition, charms, suspected illicit drugs, cult-related items and a stolen Toyota Highlander.
The command announced the arrests on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in a statement by its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
On September 30, operatives of the Okpoko Division raided a suspected criminal hideout near Coca-Cola Market, Okpoko, following intelligence and arrested 20-year-old Somtochukwu Ezeibe.
Police said they recovered a locally made double-barrel pistol, one live cartridge and charms from him. A search of his residence also allegedly yielded a Vikings Confraternity beret and peak cap.
The command said preliminary investigation indicated Ezeibe’s alleged involvement in cult-related activities, with information obtained during the probe leading investigators to eight other suspects arrested on October 5.
They were identified as Chinonso Njoku, Tochukwu Ogbonna, Chidiebere Anokwuru, Chidera Nwakpa, Nweke Chibuike, Somadina Otubo, Chibueze Ikechukwu and Obum James. They were transferred to the Anti-Cult Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a separate operation on October 4, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, working with the Agunechemba Vigilante, Onitsha Sector, arrested four suspects over alleged conspiracy and armed robbery.
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The suspects, Dennis Ngwu, Elvis Udo Effiong, Femi Adekoya and Chijioke Obinozie, were allegedly members of a six-man gang accused of attacking shuttle bus operators at gunpoint and diverting company goods in Onitsha.
Police said suspected illicit substances were recovered from them and linked the suspects to the alleged diversion of goods valued at about ₦40 million.
Meanwhile, the Violent Crime Response Unit recovered an abandoned green Toyota Highlander during an intelligence-led patrol in Ogidi on October 5.
Ikenga said preliminary findings indicated that the vehicle was allegedly snatched from its owner at Ogidi Building Materials Market on August 16, 2026.
The latest arrests follow intensified security operations in Anambra. On September 13, the command reported 57 arrests, three rescued kidnap victims and the recovery of 18 firearms and 43 rounds of ammunition during a month-long operation targeting serious crimes.
On September 27, police also disrupted a suspected cult gathering in Fegge, Onitsha, arresting a 25-year-old man while other suspected participants fled.
Commissioner of Police CP Nnanna Oji Ama said the command would sustain intelligence-led operations against cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies, assuring them of confidentiality and professional handling of such reports.