Anambra Police have arrested four suspected kidnappers and armed robbers during an operation in Awkuzu.
The gang, linked to a ₦5 million ransom case, was found with rifles and cartridges.
The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended four suspected members of an armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate, recovering firearms and ammunition in the process.
Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu carried out the operation in the early hours of September 1, 2025, at Amansea, Awka, following credible intelligence linked to a kidnapping case. According to police reports, the syndicate had previously collected a ransom of ₦5 million before releasing their victims. The case was earlier transferred to the squad from B Division, Awka, on August 14, 2025.
Those arrested include:
- Chigozie Igboekwu, male, 31 years
- Odumegwu Chibuike, male, 23 years
- Jonah Awudu, male, 40 years
- Okechukwu Nwari, male, 33 years
Police disclosed that the suspects confessed to abducting two victims on August 12, 2025, around 7:00 p.m. in Amansea. The victims were held for two days in a bush at Ugwuoba, Enugu State, before the ransom was paid for their release. Two pump-action rifles and nine live cartridges were recovered from the gang.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, praised the operatives for their commitment and assured residents that the Command remains determined to eliminate criminal gangs and safeguard lives and property across Anambra.
The police said the case will be charged to court upon completion of investigations, while efforts continue to track down other members of the syndicate still at large.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on September 2, 2025.
