By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command on Tuesday announced the death of a suspected armed robber and notorious cultist Chukwuka Solomon, aged 21, while attempting to escape search operations in their den at Amikwo community in Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said that the incident took place when the State Police Operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad Enugu-Ukwu went on a search in the early hours of February 16, 2026.

According to Ikenga, one pump-action gun, two locally made pistols and some expanded ammunition were recovered during the operation.

He said: “The suspect had attempted to escape during Police search operations in their den at Amikwo.

“During the search, one pump-action gun, two locally made pistols and some expanded ammunition were recovered.

“The Operatives also successfully repelled the ambush attack by other gang members during the search operations, as blood evidence at the scene shows that some of the armed hoodlums must have escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries.

The Police Spokesman noted that the suspect was initially arrested through community efforts of the good people of Amikwo, and handed over to the Police team for further investigation, on the report that he is a notorious cultist, terrorising the community with firearms.

He added: “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as “Baggars,” and admitted to having operational weapons belonging to the confraternity.

“He further disclosed that he works for a notorious individual popularly known as “Aza Man,” alleged to be involved in criminal activities disturbing the peace of Awka and its environs.

“Meanwhile, the Operatives are currently working on some leads given by the suspect to arrest the gang leader and other members.

“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reiterates the Command’s commitment to combating cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes in the state.”

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