The Anambra Police Command has arrested five persons suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for allegedly burning a police station and injuring an officer in Ajali, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State in February 2019.

Parading the suspects at the State Command in Amawbia on Monday, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mustapha Dandaura, said the suspects were nabbed following an aggressive manhunt by the Command’s Special Anti Robbery Squad.

Dandaura recalled how the suspects at about 2am on February 15, attacked the division, burning down the station and three police patrol vehicles, among other exhibits.

He said that upon interrogation, the suspects took operatives to their criminal hideout and one AK 47 rifle with breech number KO 358792 carted away was recovered.

The CP said the suspects also carted away three AK 47 rifles from the Division armoury and injured the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) who was on a visit to the station.

According to the CP, the suspects who are all indigenes of Ndikelionwu, Orumba North Local Government Area of the state, include Abuchi Nwogwu (21), Maduabuchi Obia (22), Chukwuedozie Orah (30), Ekechi Chukwuemeka (30) and Okwudili Nwanne (42).

Another suspect, Chimaobi Amauwa, was also arrested for allegedly terrorising Onitsha and its environs.

Dandaura said the suspect was arrested at Upper Iweka area in Onitsha.

He said: “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect belonged to a one chance robbery syndicate terrorising Onitsha and its environs, using a commercial bus in order to deceive their victims.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspect include one locally made pistol and the operational vehicle L300 bus with REG. No. DRK 85 XA.”

While saying that suspects would be charged to court at the end of investigations, Dandaura assured that efforts are on to nab other accomplices that are still on the run.