Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have rescued an unidentified middle-aged man who was found unconscious along Oby Okoli Avenue near the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Temporary Site in Awka, in what authorities suspect may be a case linked to substance abuse.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that officers attached to B Division made the rescue during a routine midday patrol on July 15, 2026.
According to the statement, the man was discovered lying unconscious by the roadside without visible injuries or signs of violence.
The officers immediately evacuated him to the Police Hospital in Awka, where he is currently receiving medical attention.
Police said a search conducted on the victim did not yield any means of identification or a mobile phone that could assist in establishing his identity or contacting his relatives.
The Command noted that preliminary findings suggest the victim may have been under the influence of hard drugs, although investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It added that efforts have been intensified to identify the victim and locate his family members to facilitate further necessary action.
The police described the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with substance abuse and drug addiction, particularly among young people.
Reaffirming its commitment to preventive policing, the Command said it would continue to drive its Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) through sustained public enlightenment, advocacy and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to combat drug abuse, cultism and other social vices across the state.
The Command assured that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
