The Anambra State Police Command has arrested thirteen suspects in separate operations and recovered firearms, charms, cult insignias, illicit drugs and a stolen vehicle.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 6, 2026.
Ikenga said operatives of Okpoko Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a criminal hideout around Coca-Cola Market, Okpoko, on September 30 and arrested Somtochukwu Ezeibe, 20. Recovered from him were a locally-made double-barrel pistol, a live cartridge and charms.
A follow-up search at his residence led to recovery of a Vikings Confraternity beret and peak cap. Preliminary investigation revealed alleged cult-related activities.
Following information provided by the suspect, operatives on October 5 arrested eight additional suspects: Chinonso Njoku, Tochukwu Ogbonna, Chidiebere Anokwuru, Chidera Nwakpa, Nweke Chibuike, Somadina Otubo, Chibueze Ikechukwu and Obum James. They have been 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, in collaboration with Agunechemba Vigilante, Onitsha Sector, arrested four suspects for alleged conspiracy and armed robbery.
The suspects are Dennis Ngwu, Elvis Udo Effiong, Femi Adekoya and Chijioke Obinozie, with large quantities of suspected illicit substances recovered from them.
Ikenga said preliminary investigation indicates they are members of a six-man gang suspected of robbing shuttle bus operators at gunpoint and diverting company goods within Onitsha, including goods valued at about N40 million.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, during a patrol on October 5, recovered an abandoned green Toyota Highlander at Ogidi. The vehicle was allegedly snatched from its owner at Ogidi Building Materials on August 16, 2026.
Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, assured that the Command will sustain intelligence-led operations against cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes, and urged residents to continue providing credible information.
