By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspected criminals, including three alleged cultists and another suspect accused of vandalising government property, recovering firearms, ammunition and other dangerous items during separate operations in the state.

The arrests were disclosed in a press release issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa. She said the operations were carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Olokoro, and a joint security team under Operation Crush, adding that investigations were ongoing.

According to the police, VCRU operatives acted on credible intelligence on July 7 that about 50 suspected criminals had gathered around the Ubakala axis for cult-related activities.

The operatives were said to have stormed the location and arrested Obioma Nmeribe, 22; Emmanuel Lekwechi, 25; and Ikemefulla ThankGod Amadi, 25.

Police said items recovered from the suspects included “one Beretta pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition, one locally made pistol, two live cartridges, one live ammunition, two black berets, one cutlass and one digger.”

In a separate operation conducted on July 6, the police, working alongside other security agencies under Operation Crush, arrested Bright Nnabugu, 31, of Umuobasi in Ugunabor Local Government Area.

The command said a locally made single-barrel gun, one expended cartridge and a cutter with high-tension wire were recovered from the suspect.

“Investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation,” DSP Chinaka said.

The Commissioner of Police urged residents of the state to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing crime and apprehending criminal elements.

“Members of the public should continue to collaborate with the Police by reporting any security concerns to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s Emergency Hotlines,” the police spokesperson stated.

She reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, urging residents to remain vigilant and embrace the campaign: “Together we keep Abia safe. See something, say something,” the statement added.