Anambra law enforcement dismantles five-person crime syndicate, confiscates firearms

A five-member gang suspected of targeting commercial motorcyclists in Ihiala Local Government Area has been apprehended by the Anambra State Police Command, with the operation yielding a significant recovery of stolen items.

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The Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, carried out the operation in the early hours of Tuesday, resulting in the seizure of a locally made Beretta pistol, three Qlink motorcycles, and a red-colored face mask.

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A statement issued by the police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Tuesday, revealed that a female suspect played a key role in luring motorcyclists to isolated locations where they were robbed by other gang members.

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The female suspect, according to the statement, would pose as a passenger and deceive motorcycle riders, leading them to secluded spots where the rest of the gang would attack and steal their motorcycles and valuables.

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The arrested suspects have been identified as Sunday Chukwudebele, 22, Adaobi Udeze, 26, Chimezie Ifebi, 35, Kelvin Chukwuejike, 28, and Uzi Chukwuejike Williams Umeh, 26.

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The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has commended the swift response of the operatives and reaffirmed the Command's commitment to ensuring the safety of residents across the state.

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The CP has also urged the public, particularly commercial motorcyclists, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

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Earlier, on March 22, it was reported that the Anambra State Police Command had arrested three suspected armed robbers and cultists, recovering firearms, ammunition, and a stolen petrol tanker in separate operations across the state.

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The suspects were apprehended on March 21, 2026, at about 1:46 p.m., following credible intelligence that led police operatives to storm their hideout in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area.