Anambra Police Smash Crime Wave: 10 Suspects Nabbed, Priest Among 4 Rescued in Daring Operations

 

By O’star Eze, Editor, factreporters.com.ng

March 28, 2025, Awka  

In a stunning display of grit and coordination, the Anambra State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu, has delivered a crushing blow to criminal networks across the state. In just two weeks, the Command, bolstered by sister agencies and local vigilantes, rescued four kidnapped victims—including a Catholic reverend father—arrested over ten suspects, and seized a haul of weapons and stolen goods, reaffirming their ironclad resolve to secure the state.

Addressing journalists at the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters today, March 28, 2025, CP Orutugu unveiled a string of triumphs that have left criminals reeling. “Our sustained patrols and targeted operations have yielded significant breakthroughs,” he declared, detailing the recovery of ten assorted firearms, 46 live rounds of ammunition, 16 expended cartridges, four vehicles, and other incriminating items. Three of the recovered cars have already been reunited with their rightful owners.

Yet, the briefing took a somber turn as CP Orutugu extended condolences to victims of a devastating fire that razed a warehouse at Ifejirika by Nwangene in Onitsha’s bustling Main Market in the early hours of today. “This tragedy could have been averted with proper precautions,” he lamented, praising the Fire Service and brave citizens who doused the flames. No lives were lost, and police have cordoned off the scene to probe the blaze’s cause and thwart opportunists.

High-Stakes Rescues and Ruthless Takedowns

The past fortnight saw jaw-dropping feats of bravery. On March 23, a joint security team—comprising police, military, and other operatives Operation Udo Ga Chi operatives—stormed Ihiala, rescuing Rev. Father Stephen Echezona from kidnappers at a fuel station in Ichida. In a fierce gun battle, the team subdued armed criminals in an unregistered white Lexus SUV, freeing the priest unharmed.

Just a day earlier, on March 22 at 7:20 a.m., three victims were liberated along the Onitsha/Owerri Express Road in Ozubulu after enduring brutal injuries. Rushed to hospital by the joint security team, they’re now recovering as the hunt intensifies for their assailants.

Cultists and Robbers Crushed

The Command’s Special Anti-Cult Unit struck hard on March 18, nabbing Chibuike Ozoekwem, 22, and Favour Patrick, 19, in an uncompleted building on Onwurah Street, Awka. Armed with a pump-action gun, 16 expended cartridges, a battle axe, and two stolen phones, the duo confessed to a March 13 robbery along Club Road. One victim identified her stolen phone, and the search for their accomplices is on.

On March 26, a B Division surveillance team in Ifite Awka intercepted a tricycle, uncovering a locally made Beretta pistol on Somtochukwu Okoye, a Junior Viking cult member. He fingered Augustine Okafor—already in custody—as the gun’s owner. Then, on March 27, the same team nabbed Richard Onwugbufo at Dynamo Junction with a Beretta pistol and three live rounds. All suspects await trial.

Earlier, on March 22, Obosi Division operatives arrested one Kosiso Okonkwo along the Obosi/Nkpor Expressway with a Beretta pistol, linking him to the Aye Confraternity.

A Call to Vigilance

As the Muslim community gears up for Sallah, CP Orutugu vowed relentless synergy with security partners to keep Anambra safe. “We’ll continue dominating the security space with tactical precision,” he assured, urging residents to stay vigilant.

From fire-ravaged markets to gun-blazing rescues, Anambra’s police are proving they mean business—and the bad guys are running out of places to hide.