By OBINNA UNAEZE

The Anambra Police Command says its operatives, in separate joint operations with the state vigilance group, caught and detained 13 persons, allegedly involved in several criminal offences.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Awka, on Tuesday.

“The Anambra Police Command has sustained its intelligence-led offensive against criminal elements across the state, arresting 13 suspects in separate operations.

“During the operations, the security operatives recovered firearm, ammunition, charms, cult-related insignias, suspected illicit drugs, dangerous weapons and a stolen vehicle,” Ikenga stated.

The statement partly read, “On September 30, police operatives of Okpoko Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout around Coca-Cola Market, Okpoko, and arrested Somtochukwu Ezeibe, a 20-year-old male.”

He further stated that the operatives recovered one locally-made double-barrel pistol, one live cartridge and charms from the suspect.

The police spokesman added that a follow-up search conducted at the suspect’s residence also led to the recovery of a Vikings Confraternity beret and peak cap.

He further stated that preliminary investigation revealed his alleged involvement in cult-related activities.

According to the statement, the suspect provided information that assisted the police in identifying other persons allegedly connected with the group.

“Consequently, on October 5, operatives arrested eight additional suspects, namely Chinonso Njoku, Tochukwu Ogbonna, Chidiebere Anokwuru, Chidera Nwakpa, Nweke Chibuike, Somadina Otubo, Chibueze Ikechukwu and Obum James,” Ikenga added.

He stated that the suspects had since been transferred to the Anti-Cult Unit of the command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

He also explained that on October 4, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in collaboration with Agunechemba Vigilance Group, Onitsha Sector, caught four persons for alleged conspiracy and armed robbery.

He named the suspects as Dennis Ngwu, Elvis Effiong, Femi Adekoya and Chijioke Obinozie.

Ikenga stated that large quantities of suspected illicit substances were recovered from the suspects.

He added that preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects were alleged members of a six-member gang, accused of robbing shuttle bus operators at gunpoint and diverting company goods within Onitsha.

“The suspects reportedly made statements implicating themselves in the alleged offences, including the diversion of goods valued at approximately ?40 million,” Ikenga explained.

He pointed out that investigation into the matter was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and identify other persons, who might be connected with the crimes.

The police spokesman added that operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, during an intelligence-led patrol, on October 5, recovered an abandoned green Toyota Highlander at Ogidi.

He said that preliminary findings indicated that the vehicle was allegedly snatched from its owner at Ogidi Building Material Market on August 16.

He quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Nnanna Ama, as reassuring residents that the command would sustain its intelligence-led operations against cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

“Ama further urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to the police.

“He gave assurance that such information would be treated with appropriate confidentiality and acted upon professionally,” the statement added. (NAN)

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