Authorities apprehend trio of alleged gunmen, retrieve hijacked fuel truck in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has made a notable breakthrough with the arrest of three suspected armed robbers and cultists, along with the recovery of various arms, ammunition, and a stolen petrol tanker, in a series of operations conducted across the state.

n

According to a press statement released on Sunday by the Command's spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrests were made by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, on March 21, 2026, at approximately 1:46 pm.

n

The police action was prompted by credible intelligence, which led to a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, resulting in the apprehension of the suspects.

n

SP Ikenga revealed that the suspects, identified as Francis Chukwuka Anene, 46, Emmanuel Obi, 29, and Okoye Chinonso, 35, an alleged serving member of a security agency, were found in possession of two locally made Beretta pistols and four rounds of live 9 mm ammunition.

n

A suspected fake security agency identity card was also recovered from the suspects, who are believed to be members of a criminal syndicate involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, and terrorizing residents of Ogidi and its environs.

n

Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects may be linked to the gruesome murder of the late President General of Ogidi, and further inquiries are being conducted to determine their possible involvement.

n

In a separate incident, police personnel attached to the Ozubulu Police Division recovered a suspected stolen white trailer tanker on March 17, 2026, abandoned along the Onitsha/Owerri Expressway.

n

The vehicle, which was found without a registration number and with the key in the ignition, is believed to have been abandoned by an unidentified individual, and efforts are underway to trace the owner and uncover the circumstances surrounding its abandonment.

n

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has reassured the public of the Command's commitment to maintaining safety and has urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support the police.

n

In another development, the Anambra State Police Command also arrested two suspects in connection with a case of conspiracy and staged kidnapping, in which the victim's boyfriend allegedly collaborated with the perpetrators to extort ₦240,000 from the victim's parents.

n

SP Ikenga attributed the arrests to significant breakthroughs in several cases under investigation by the Command over the past two weeks, highlighting the progress made by the police in addressing crime in the state.