The Anambra State Police Command has paraded several crime suspects and displayed weapons recovered from them during recent operations.
During a press briefing at the command headquarters in Amawbia, Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu assured residents of the force’s commitment to tackling crime. He also sympathized with victims of the recent Onitsha fire incident, confirming that no lives were lost and that officers had been deployed to prevent criminal activities in the aftermath.
CP Orutugu disclosed that security operatives rescued four kidnapped victims, including Catholic priest Reverend Father Stephen Echezona. He also noted that over ten suspects had been arrested for various offenses, commending the collaboration between the police, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups.
According to him, four stolen vehicles were recovered, three of which had been returned to their owners. Additionally, ten firearms, forty-six live cartridges, and sixteen expended cartridges were confiscated.
Among those arrested were Chibuike Ozoekwem (22) and Favour Patrick (19), who were found in an uncompleted building in Awka with a pump-action gun, an axe, and two suspected stolen phones. Others include Somtochukwu Okoye of Umuike, Awka, and Richard Onwugbufo of Ubulu Village, Oraifite, both apprehended for illegal firearm possession.
The police command reaffirmed its resolve to intensify operations against criminal elements in the state.
