Full List: Ex-Army Deserter Among Five Notorious Armed Robbers Busted in Awka: Police Seize Guns, Rocket Launcher, and Cash

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a dangerous armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate, including a confessed deserter from the Nigerian Army, following a swift operation on Wednesday.

The arrests followed reports that a man was abducted while working on his farm in Isiagu, Awka, and later released after paying ransom. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu raided a hideout in Notoko, Awka, arresting Michael Nwobodo (30), Eze Friday (29), Uche Okolo (23), Chinedu Gilbert (29), and Dominic Oraz (38), who admitted deserting the Nigerian Army in November 2024.

Police recovered an arsenal of weapons and equipment from the suspects, including six automatic pump-action guns, 63 rounds of live ammunition, a robber’s rocket launcher, two police teargas canisters, machetes, handcuffs, criminal charms, walkie-talkies, a jackknife, a military cap, a microscope, a power bank, and ₦26,000 in cash.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, praised the operatives for their bravery. “We commend our officers for this swift action. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. The command remains committed to ensuring safety and combating violent crimes across Anambra State,” he said.

Police have launched further investigations in collaboration with relevant authorities to identify and prosecute additional suspects linked to the syndicate.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.