By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command said it had arrested a 25-year-old suspected member of a proscribed secessionist group during an intelligence-led operation in Ihiala, and recovered two pump-action guns and 29 live cartridges.
The development was contained in a press statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to the statement, the suspect, identified as Friday Nnamdi Anyikame, was apprehended in the early hours of November 20, 2025, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu, following credible intelligence about his movement and activities. The recovered weapons were found in his possession at the time of arrest.
The PPRO further disclosed that the suspect, during interrogation, confessed to being an active member of an armed group, and also revealed that he operates from a criminal camp in Ogbaru Local Government Area. The Police say the information is already aiding ongoing operations targeted at uncovering more hideouts linked to the group.
The Police Spokesman further noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, in his reaction, commended the operatives for their swift and coordinated response, while also ordering an immediate intensification of security surveillance and raid operations across the state.
The CP assured residents that the Command is closing in on other fleeing members of the gang and remains fully committed to dismantling their network.
The press release also quoted the Commissioner as urging residents to remain vigilant and to continue providing the Police with timely, credible intelligence to support ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening security across Anambra.
