Anambra Police Recover 20 Bombs, Arrest Suspects in Major Crackdown (Full List)

The Anambra State Police Command has recovered 20 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and multiple rifles, alongside other incriminating items. The commendable effort led to the arrest of 13 suspects involved in various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism.

During a press briefing on Friday, State Police Commissioner CP Nnaghe Obono Itam presented the suspects and detailed their alleged crimes. The arrests and recoveries occurred within different parts of Anambra State.

CP Itam highlighted the recent successes of the police force, noting that just 14 days prior, over 200 suspects were apprehended, resulting in the seizure of several firearms and more than 1,644 bullets since his tenure began two months ago.

The suspects paraded included:

Emeka Okolo (29, Ihiala, Anambra)

Uchenna John (21, Ebonyi)

Victor Iniukpong (31, Akwa Ibom), apprehended while attempting to disable a tracker in a kidnapped victim’s car on July 15 in Nimo community. The suspects also allegedly shot and killed one person during the abduction.

Others arrested for kidnapping-related crimes on July 21 in Obosi included:

Nnatu Chiedozie (43, Enugu Ukwu, Anambra)

Onyeka Okoye (22, Uruagu Mbaukwu, Anambra)

Ndubuisi Emmanuel Abate (19, Ayamelum, Anambra)

Additional suspects linked to armed robbery and cultism in Awka were:

Emeka Okotor (18, Awka)

Chidubem Ejiofor (18, Awka)

Chigbo Nwankwo (20, Awka)

Chijioke Onyibor (18, Awka)

Also paraded were:

Chigbogu Favor (33, Ihiala, Anambra)

Mbanefo Udeze (36, Oraifite, Anambra), accused of kidnapping and transporting victims to a hideout in Asaba.

From Imo State:

Chigaemezu Okafor, aka “England” (26, Mbano)

Uchenna Nwaiwu (20, Ngor Okpala), both implicated in multiple kidnappings.

The Commissioner also mentioned the recovery of numerous IEDs, including:

Attacking Mile IEDs from ESN Camps at Ugbenu and Aguluezechukwu

Six Light-and-Spark IEDs from Ogbunka ESN Camp

Nine Light-and-Spark IEDs from another ESN Camp

Two Light-and-Spark IEDs from an abandoned vehicle along Ogbunka axis

CP Itam assured residents that the police would maintain their operations to ensure peace and security across the state. He called for public cooperation and the sharing of accurate information to aid police efforts. He also cautioned against spreading unverified security information that could cause panic and hinder investigations.

Regarding the proposed nationwide protest, CP Itam emphasized that the Anambra State Police Command supports peaceful protests but warned against any form of violence that could disrupt the state’s peace. He assured that the police would protect peaceful protesters while ensuring public safety.

“The Police is mandated to regulate assemblies and protect peaceful protesters,” CP Itam stated. “However, we will not tolerate any violence or any protest that threatens the fragile peace in the State.”