Anambra: Police nab suspected NSCDC officer, 2 others over alleged robbery

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The Anambra Police Command has arrested a suspected Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) officer and two others over alleged robbery in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area.

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The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Awka on Sunday.

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Ikenga said the command had continued to record operational successes in its sustained efforts to enhance safety and security across the state.

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“The latest arrest of three suspected armed robbers and cultists, and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and a stolen petrol tanker in separate operations is a testimony.”

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According to him, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, on March 21 at about 1:46 p.m., acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Ogidi, where the suspects were apprehended.

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“During the operation, three suspects were arrested, they include Francis Anene, male, 46; Emmanuel Obi, male, 29; and Okoye Chinonso, male, 35; and an alleged serving member of a security agency,” he added.

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Ikenga said items recovered from the suspects included two locally made Beretta pistols, four rounds of live 9mm ammunition and a suspected fake security agency identity card.

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He said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were members of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorising residents of Ogidi and its environs.

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Ikenga added that the suspects were also being investigated for possible involvement in the murder of the late President-General of Ogidi.

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He further said that in a separate operation, police personnel attached to the Ozubulu Police Division, in the early hours of March 17, recovered a suspected stolen white petrol tanker abandoned along the Onitsha/Owerri Expressway.

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“The vehicle was found without a registration number and key in the ignition, reportedly abandoned by an unidentified individual,” Ikenga said.

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He said the command had commenced investigation to trace the owner of the tanker and unravel the circumstances surrounding its abandonment.

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He said investigations into both incidents were ongoing to establish the facts.

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The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to sustaining safety and security.

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He added that Orutugu urged members of the public to support the police with timely and credible information to prevent and tackle crime.

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