Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Anambra State Police Command has dealt a significant blow to organised crime in the state, arresting a 65-year-old suspected separatist and six other suspects in two coordinated intelligence-led operations that uncovered a trove of incriminating evidence, including an army uniform, expended ammunition shells, and a substantial quantity of illicit drugs. The arrests, which took place on August 13, 2026, underscore the command's intensified crackdown on violent crimes, cultism, and the illicit drug trade across the state.
According to a statement released on Friday, August 14, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, arrested 65-year-old Ifeanyi Ogbuagbo in Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area. A careful search of his residence led to the recovery of an army uniform and 40 expended shells of ammunition, which were concealed in a black polythene bag. Preliminary investigations revealed that Ogbuagbo is allegedly linked to a criminal gang agitating for self-government, raising serious concerns about the activities of separatist elements operating within the state. The suspect has been taken into custody, and efforts are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the recovered items and his alleged activities.
In a separate operation on the same evening, police operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of six suspects. Those arrested were identified as Chisom Okafor, 25, the only female among the group; Onyedika Moses, 36; Iruka Nwaonu, 30; Joseph Nwankwo, 36; Chukwujekwu Nwoso, 32; and Akanimo Orok, 40. During the raid, operatives recovered a sizeable quantity of dried weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa and other substances believed to be illicit drugs. The arrests and recoveries are part of the command's sustained efforts to combat violent crimes, cultism, and illicit drug activities, in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the command's operational strategy.
The Commissioner of Police for Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has reiterated the command's commitment to deploying intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, and coordinated raids to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt illicit drug activities, and deny criminals safe havens across the state. He further directed that the ongoing raids on criminal hideouts, drug-selling spots, and other identified areas of criminal activity be intensified and sustained. The arrests come just days after the command recovered two locally fabricated pistols and three cult caps from an abandoned motorcycle in Awka North Local Government Area, highlighting the sustained offensive against criminal elements in the state.
The recovery of an army uniform from the residence of a suspected separatist is particularly troubling, as it raises questions about the infiltration of criminal networks into the state's security apparatus and the potential for such items to be used in the commission of violent crimes. The police have assured residents that the command will continue to take proactive measures to strengthen security and protect lives and property across Anambra State. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
As investigations continue, the seven suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation. The Anambra State Police Command has made it clear that it will not relent in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, and the arrests serve as a stark warning to those who seek to undermine the peace and security of the state. The era of impunity for criminals in Anambra is over, and the police are determined to ensure that justice is served.
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