By Izunna Okafor Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected armed robbers who allegedly operated under the guise of vigilante personnel to rob unsuspecting residents in Awka and its environs.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed this in a statement to newsmen on Sunday, the suspects were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, in the course of ongoing investigations into a case of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.
SP Ikenga disclosed that the arrest followed an intelligence-led operation carried out at Ring Road, Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area, during which the operatives intercepted the suspects and recovered two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, one ash-coloured shuttle bus, face masks, a plate number, and other incriminating items believed to have been used in carrying out their criminal activities.
According to him, the suspects, all males, were identified as Solomon Saddah, Okolocha George Kaosisochukwu, John Obi Ogwaju, Chukwuemeka Chisom Ikenwa, and Eze Obinna Joshua.
The Police Spokesperson stated that during interrogation, the suspects made useful statements, admitting their involvement in criminal activities and explaining how they disguised as vigilante operatives, moving around in a shuttle bus to deceive residents and unleash havoc on innocent members of the public.
He added that the suspects are currently cooperating with the Police and providing valuable information that would aid ongoing investigations, including efforts to uncover other criminal collaborators and dismantle the wider network behind the operation.
SP Ikenga further reassured Ndi Anambra of the Command’s commitment to sustaining safety and security, especially during the Yuletide season, noting that proactive policing and intelligence-driven operations remain key priorities of the Command. It further urged residents to remain vigilant and to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could help in preventing crime and apprehending criminal elements in the state; while assuring that further developments on the case will be communicated as investigations progress.
