Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have rescued an unidentified middle-aged man who was found unconscious by the roadside along Oby Okoli Avenue near the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Temporary Site in Awka.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, caused concern among commuters and passers-by, with traffic slowing as motorists tried to avoid the unconscious man lying on the roadside.

An eyewitness, who owns a shop in the area, said residents and passers-by were reluctant to approach the man for fear of the unknown, leaving him lying face down for a prolonged period before police operatives arrived.

“He was walking by the roadside when he suddenly collapsed and lay face down. While some people were afraid to go near him, others suspected he might have been under the influence of drugs or suffering from epilepsy or high blood pressure.

“He remained motionless for some time, causing vehicles to slow down to avoid hitting him. Police operatives on routine patrol later arrived, carried out preliminary checks and evacuated him to a nearby hospital,” the eyewitness said.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said officers attached to B Division rescued the man during a routine patrol.

According to him, preliminary findings suggest the victim may have been under the influence of hard drugs.

He said, “The Anambra State Police Command, in furtherance of its Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices and sustained commitment to public safety, has rescued an unidentified middle-aged man who was found unconscious, allegedly under the influence of hard drugs, in Awka.

“The victim was discovered by police operatives attached to B Division during a midday patrol on July 15, 2026, around Oby Okoli Avenue, UNIZIK Temporary Site, Awka.

“He was lying unconscious by the roadside with no visible signs of struggle or injuries suggestive of violence.

“The operatives immediately evacuated the victim to the Police Hospital in Awka, where he is currently receiving treatment. A search conducted on him did not reveal any means of identification or a mobile phone that could assist in tracing his identity or relatives.

“Preliminary assessment suggests that the victim may have been under the influence of hard drugs. However, efforts are ongoing to identify him and notify his family members.”

Ikenga urged members of the public to be wary of the dangers of substance abuse and drug addiction, especially among young people.

He added that the command’s Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices would continue to focus on preventive policing through sustained advocacy, public enlightenment and collaboration with stakeholders to curb drug abuse, cultism and other social vices. He said further updates on the victim’s identity would be communicated as investigations progress. (The PUNCH)