Police Arrest Five in Anambra for Kidnapping, Armed Robbery

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspects linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms in separate operations across the state.

Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Sunday, March 2, said officers recovered a locally made Beretta pistol and a suspected stolen vehicle during the arrests.

He attributed the success to new security measures introduced by Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu, which he said are beginning to expose criminal elements.

“In separate operations, police have arrested a total of five suspects in a case of kidnapping, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearm and recovered a locally made Beretta pistol and a suspected stolen vehicle,” the statement read.

One of the operations, carried out in the early hours of February 22, saw Special Anti-Cultism Squad operatives raid a criminal hideout in Igbariam.

Three suspects—Miracle Chukwunoso, Chinweze Charles, and Bonaventure Chigozie, all aged between 20 and 26—were arrested, and a locally fabricated Beretta pistol was recovered.

Victims identified the suspects as the individuals who had attacked and robbed them.

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One victim confirmed that ₦254,000 was withdrawn from his account on February 21 along Otoko, Igbariam.

In another incident, officers from the 3-3 Police Divisional Headquarters responded to a kidnapping report on February 16 at around 2 pm.

The victim was rescued near Ejison Fuel Station along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

A follow-up operation led to the arrest of two suspects, whose names were withheld for investigative reasons.

Police also recovered an “Ash-coloured Toyota Corolla” allegedly belonging to the victim from a mechanic workshop in the 3-3 Area.

The victim recounted his ordeal, stating, “Armed men forcefully withdrew over ₦1 million from my account during my captivity and took my two phones, valued at ₦820,000.”

Ikenga assured that all suspects would face prosecution once investigations are completed.