The Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Bala Kuryas, had on 23rd February 2021, during his maiden press conference promised to tackle the menace of armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, illegal revenue collections and other security challenges in the state.
He visited black spots and flashpoints at Enugu-Agidi, Ukwulu roads; Toll Gate, Borromeo roundabou; Head bridge Onitsha; Upper Iweka; Owerri Road/Aba Park and Nkpor Roundabout in Idemili north local government area of the state.
The purpose of the visits was for local knowledge and to obtain first hand information about the pattern of crimes being perpetrated in those areas with a view to curtailing them through effective deployment and visibility patrols.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Haruna Mohammed on 19th February, 2021, following an intelligence report, police operatives attached to Oko Division arrested one Blessing Uche Marcel Ukogu, about 25 years, of Akabor Village, Osunmeyi in Nnewi south local government area of Anambra State who resides at Abo-Dutse, Abuja.
The image maker alleged that the suspect stole a Toyota Corolla model 2005 from Abuja, but has been arrested while the suspect and exhibit have been handed over to FCT Command for further investigation.
According to a press release, “On 21/2/2021 at about 11:30am, following also intelligence report, police operatives attached to 3-3 Division, in collaboration with the local vigilante group, arrested one Debele Chukwu Mbanugo, ‘m’, aged 20 years, of Nkwelle Ezunaka”.
He disclosed that exhibit recovered in his possession include one pump action rifle which he admitted to have stolen from 3-3 Police Station during the #Endsars protests.
Similarly, on 21st February 2021, at about 8:00am, following an intelligence report, police operatives attached to Okija Division, arrested one Chinaza Okoma, aged 25 years, and Onyebuchi Maduka, 24 years, both of 3-3 area, Onitsha.
“Suspects were arrested inside a residential apartment at Oghalebu, Okija with two pump action rifles, and eleven cartridges which they could not give satisfactory account of.
In another development, on 22nd February 2021, at about 9:00am, following an intelligence report, Puff Adder operatives, in conjunction with a police patrol team attached to Ogbaru Division, arrested one Ebuka Obaze, 22 years, of Ochuche Village, Umuodo in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra State.
“Exhibit recovered in his possession include a cut to size locally made double barrel gun”.
In same vein, on the 23rd February 2021, Puff Adder operatives, in conjunction with a patrol team attached to Otoucha Division, responded to a distress call around Igbariam and arrested one Paul Odowe, 29 years, from Ebonyi State.
“Suspect allegedly robbed a lady of her handset and other valuables at gunpoint, pointing out that he voluntarily confessed and exhibits recovered in his possession include 3 phones,one pump action rifle,one cartridge and one unregistered motorcycle used in perpetrating the act.
Also, on 26th February 2021, at 12:30am, following an intelligence report, a Police patrol team attached to Inland Town Division, arrested one Bright Blessed Nnakwe, 27 years, of Umueze Village, Anam in Anambra west local government area
“Exhibit recovered in his possession include one English made pistol and a magazine”.
In addition, on 24th February 2021, at about 6:30am, followinga credible intelligence report about a secret cult initiation, police operatives attached to the Command Special Anti-Cult Unit, arrested Duru David, 22 years, Ugochukwu Meniru, 20 years, Nwaoba Chukwudi, 20 years, Kalu Chukwudi, 18 years and
Nyayelu Oputa, 18 years.
Suspects confessed to be members of a secret cult group called, “PAYTON CONFRATERNITY”.
Again, on 26th February 2021, at about 5:40am, following an intelligence report, police operatives attached to the Command Anti-Cult Unit arrested the following suspects from various hideouts at Ogidi in Idemili north local government area of Anambra State.
They include Okpoto Chukwudi, 20 years, Odo Arinze, 22 years, Eze Izuchukwu, 23 years, all natives of Izamgbo Town in Ohaumwu local government area of Ebonyi State.
Suspects voluntarily confessed to be members of “Vikings Confraternity”, while exhibits recovered in their possession include one axe and beret.
All cases are under investigation after which suspects would be charged to court for prosecution.
Meanwhile, a total of fifteen (15) suspects, four pump action rifles, one English made pistol, one locally made gun and eleven cartridges, were recovered.
