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Police Arrest 5 for Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Recovery of Stolen Vehicle, Firearm in Anambra

In a series of decisive operations aimed at eradicating criminal activities and enhancing the safety of residents in Anambra State, the Police have arrested five suspects involved in various criminal offenses, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms. The ongoing security operational review and safety emplacement in the state, spearheaded by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, FWC, MNIPS, PhD, is beginning to yield significant results. These operations are helping expose and apprehend individuals involved in heinous crimes that have been troubling the state.

The first operation occurred in the early hours of 22nd February 2025, when Police Operatives from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad conducted a raid on a known criminal hideout in Igbariam, Anambra State. During the operation, the police arrested three male suspects: Miracle Chukwunoso, Chinweze Charles, and Bonaventure Chigozie, all of whom are aged between 20 and 26 years. The suspects were found in possession of a locally made Beretta pistol, which was later seized by the operatives.

The police operatives had acted on intelligence gathered from previous criminal activities in the area. According to reports, the three suspects were positively identified by victims who had been attacked and robbed of their personal belongings. In one instance, the suspects had allegedly withdrawn a sum of Two Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand Naira (#254,000) from the account of one of their victims on 21st February 2025, along the Otoko, Igbariam road. The victims’ testimonies, alongside other evidence gathered during the operation, strengthened the case against the suspects. The suspects are currently being investigated, and they are expected to be charged in court upon completion of the investigation.

The second operation unfolded on 16th February 2025, at approximately 2:00 pm, when Police Operatives attached to the 3-3 Police Divisional Headquarters swiftly responded to a kidnapping incident along the Enugu/Onitsha Expressway. The police successfully tracked down and rescued the victim from the clutches of his kidnappers at the Ejison Fuel Station, a notorious location for criminal activities in the region.

The operatives’ quick response and effective follow-up led to the arrest of two male suspects (whose names have been withheld for security reasons). The suspects are believed to be key players in a larger criminal syndicate involved in the kidnapping and armed robbery incident. During the operation, the police were also able to recover one Ash-colored Toyota Corolla vehicle, which had been stolen from the victim. The vehicle was discovered at a mechanic workshop in the 3-3 Area of Anambra.

The victim, who was held hostage by the armed robbers, disclosed that during his captivity, the suspects had forcefully withdrawn a sum of One Million Naira (#1,000,000) from his bank account. Additionally, they stole two mobile phones from the victim, which were valued at Eight Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira (#820,000). The suspects’ capture and the recovery of the stolen vehicle represent a significant victory in the fight against crime in Anambra State.

The arrests of these suspects and the recovery of stolen property are a testament to the effectiveness of the ongoing security operational review and the strategic safety measures implemented by the Anambra State Police Command. The review, led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has been instrumental in disrupting the operations of criminal gangs that have been terrorizing the state.

CP Orutugu’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Anambra’s residents is evident in the decisive actions taken by the police force. These operations not only result in the capture of criminal elements but also send a strong message to those involved in criminal activities in the state that law enforcement will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to ensure public safety.

As detailed in the police statements, the arrested suspects were involved in serious criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and the unlawful possession of firearms. The suspects’ ability to carry out such crimes with relative ease has highlighted the need for constant vigilance and proactive law enforcement efforts.

• Miracle Chukwunoso, Chinweze Charles, and Bonaventure Chigozie are believed to have been involved in a series of armed robberies, using their locally made firearms to intimidate and rob victims. The seized Beretta pistol is a key piece of evidence linking them to their criminal activities.
• The two suspects arrested in the second operation were part of a larger criminal syndicate involved in high-profile kidnapping operations. They used violent means to coerce their victims, draining their bank accounts and stealing valuable personal items.

The police have made it clear that investigations are ongoing, and all the suspects will face legal proceedings once the investigations are completed. The cases will be taken to court, where justice will be served for the victims of these crimes.

One of the key takeaways from these successful operations is the critical role of community cooperation and intelligence-sharing in combating crime. Local residents, who have been affected by the criminals’ actions, played a significant role in identifying the suspects and providing valuable information to law enforcement. Additionally, the police have made it a priority to engage with communities to build trust and ensure a collaborative approach to tackling crime in the state.

The arrests made in this case are just one part of a larger strategy to make Anambra a safer place for its citizens. The police are committed to continuing their efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore order in the state. However, the police also emphasize that the fight against crime is a shared responsibility, and they encourage residents to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

As the investigations continue, the Police are optimistic that more arrests will follow. The ongoing operations in the state are expected to expand, with a particular focus on areas known for high levels of criminal activity. The recent successes in Igbariam and the 3-3 Area have demonstrated that concerted efforts by the police, supported by community collaboration, can lead to the successful dismantling of criminal organizations and the recovery of stolen property.

The Anambra State Police Command is also stepping up efforts to improve its operational capacity, ensuring that its officers are well-equipped and well-trained to handle emerging threats. The public is encouraged to continue their support for law enforcement in the fight against crime, as safety and security remain top priorities for the Police.

In conclusion, the recent arrests of five suspects involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms send a strong and clear message to criminals operating in Anambra State: the Police are watching, and they will not relent in their efforts to bring offenders to justice. With the backing of the community and the dedication of law enforcement, the safety and security of Anambra residents are steadily improving. The battle against crime is far from over, but the police are making significant strides in restoring peace to the state.

EXCERPT

In separate operations, Police arrests a total of five suspects in a case of kidnapping, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearm, recovers a locally made Beretta pistol and a suspected stolen vehicle

The ongoing Security Operational review and safety emplacement in the State by the Commissioner of Police lCP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD has started to expose the undesirable elements in the State. Consequently, in the early hours of 22nd February 2025, Police Operatives attached to a Special Anti Cultism Squad stormed a criminal hideout at Igbariam and arrested one Miracle Chukwunoso, Chinweze Charles and Bonaventure Chigozie all males, between the age bracket of 20 – 26 years. The team also recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol from them.

The suspects were positively identified by victims, who were attacked and dispossessed of their personal belongings. A total sum of Two Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand Naira (#254,000) was withdrawn from the victim’s account on 21st February 2025 along Otoko, Igbariam.

In another development, Police Operatives attached to the 3 -3 Police Divisional Headquarters on 16th February 2025 by 2 pm swiftly responded to a kidnap incident and rescued the victim by Ejison Fuel Station along Enugu/ Onitsha Expressway. The Operatives in a diligent follow-up of the Case arrested two suspects (names withheld) to enable the operatives apprehend other gang members and recovered one Ash-coloured Toyota Corolla allegedly belonging to the victim in a Mechanic workshop at 3-3 Area.

According to the victim, the armed men forcefully withdrew more than One million Naira (#1,000,000) only from his account during his captivity and dispossessed him of his two phones valued at Eight hundred and twenty thousand Naira (#820,000).

All the suspects would be charged to Court on the conclusion of investigations.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga

Police Public Relations Officer

Anambra State Police Command, Awka