By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Police-led Joint Security Team of the Anambra State Police Command has arrested two key members of a criminal syndicate alleged to be responsible for supplying food and essential logistics to a secessionist-linked criminal group operating around the Orsumoghu–Aguluezechukwu axis of the state.

The suspects, Mmadubuchi Ike, male, 28 years old; and Chinonso Izunobi, male, 34 years old, are alleged to be responsible for supplying food and essential logistics to a secessionist-linked criminal group operating around the Orsumoghu–Aguluezechukwu axis of the State.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said that the arrests followed a coordinated offensive carried out in the early hours of December 11, 2025, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu and the Agunechemba Tactical Unit.

He said the suspects were intercepted following credible intelligence that linked them to a well-structured supply network providing food, weapons, and survival materials to a notorious criminal group associated with secessionist activities in the state.

According to the PPRO, the security operatives recovered a cache of arms at the point of arrest, including one Type-06 rifle loaded with ten rounds of live ammunition, two pump-action guns, and twenty live cartridges, all of which were recovered from the suspects

The statement reads In part: “Preliminary interrogation of the suspects uncovered revelations about their involvement in violent crimes across the State, including the murder of a youth leader from Nnewi, popularly known as “Biggy”, who was reportedly murdered in Ukpor.

“The arrested suspects also confessed to participating in multiple kidnapping operations and other high-risk criminal activities for which further investigations are ongoing.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has assured the public that intensive investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend additional members of the syndicate now at large, even as the Command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all communities across the state, especially during this festive period.

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