Anambra Police Smash Armed Robbery, Kidnapping Syndicate, Arrest Five Suspects Including Ex-Soldier
Anambra Police have arrested five suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, including an ex-soldier, in Awka.
Weapons such as rifles, cartridges, walkie-talkies, and charms were recovered during the intelligence-led operation.
The Anambra State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime, arresting five suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang. The operation followed the abduction of a farmer in Isiagu, Awka, who was later freed after his family paid ransom.
According to a statement released on Thursday, August 28, 2025, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu launched a decisive raid on the syndicate’s hideout at Notoko, Awka, on August 27. The swift operation led to the arrest of the suspects identified as Michael Nwobodo (30), Eze Friday (29), Uche Okolo (23), Chinedu Gilbert (29), and Dominic Oraz (38) the latter a confessed deserter from the Nigerian Army.
The police recovered a large cache of weapons and items believed to have been used in criminal operations. These include six automatic pump-action rifles, 63 rounds of live cartridges, five machetes, a jack knife, three Motorola walkie-talkies, a robber’s rocket launcher, a microscope, two police tear gas canisters, a military cap, handcuffs, criminal charms, a power bank, and ₦26,000 in cash.
During interrogation, Dominic Oraz admitted that he abandoned his post in the Nigerian Army in November 2024 and subsequently joined the criminal gang. Police said enquiries had already been initiated with relevant military authorities to guide further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism in tracking down the suspects. He called on residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information that could assist law enforcement in stamping out crime.
“The Command reassures Ndi Anambra of its unwavering commitment to ensuring safety and security. We will not relent in pursuing and dismantling criminal syndicates across the state,” CP Orutugu said.
Authorities confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody and will face prosecution once investigations are concluded. The Command also reaffirmed its readiness to sustain intelligence-led operations to ensure that communities remain safe from armed robbery and kidnapping gangs.
