By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Four suspected members of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang operating within the State and its environs have been arrested by the Anambra State Police Command.

This Command in a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said that Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, while acting on credible intelligence, swooped on the suspects in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025, in Amansea, Awka and arrested the suspects with two pump-action guns and nine live cartridges.

He explained that the case, which had earlier been transferred from B Division Awka to the Rapid Response Squad on August 14, 2025, was linked to the kidnap of two victims in Amansea on August 12, during which a ransom of ?5 million was paid before the captives regained freedom.

Ikenga listed the arrested suspects to include, 31-year-ol Chigozie Igboekwu, Odumegwu Chibuike (23), Jonah Awudu (40), and Okechukwu Nwari (33).

The statement added, "During interrogation, the suspects voluntarily confessed to the crime and narrated how they conspired among themselves to abduct two victims in Amansea at about 7:00 p.m. on 12th August 2025, held them hostage for two days in a bush at Ugwuoba, Enugu State, and collected ransom before their release

"Operations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate who are still at large. "

The PPRO further noted that the arrested suspects will be charged to court on conclusion of investigations.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, MNIPS, PhD, commended the operatives for their resilience and gallantry in the operation.

He reassured Ndi Anambra of the Command’s unwavering commitment to rid the State of criminal elements and to safeguard the lives and property of all residents.