Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested a 25-year-old suspected member of an armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate and recovered three firearms during an intelligence-led operation.
The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Chekwube Mark, was arrested in the early hours of Thursday, August 27, 2026, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following credible intelligence.
Items recovered from the suspect, according to the police, included one locally fabricated pistol, two pump-action guns and a military-pattern face cap.
The police said preliminary investigation showed that Mark was allegedly a member of a four-man robbery and kidnapping syndicate operating around the Ifite Awka axis of the state.
According to the Command, the suspect allegedly admitted that he and other members of the gang, who are currently at large, conspired to kidnap unsuspecting members of the public in the area.
The police further said the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in the abduction of a victim on July 22, 2026, adding that the victim was allegedly robbed of valuables and subsequently killed, with the remains dumped in a bush.
The suspect also reportedly disclosed the gang’s modus operandi, saying members of the syndicate allegedly used a tricycle to block their intended victims before accusing them of scratching or damaging the vehicle.
The police said the gang would allegedly engage the victim in an argument before overpowering the person at gunpoint and taking them to a hideout at Umoji, Ebenebe, where victims were allegedly tortured and dispossessed of their valuables.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case and directed the operatives to intensify efforts to arrest the fleeing accomplices and other members of the syndicate.
The CP assured residents that the command would sustain intelligence-led and proactive operations to prevent and dismantle armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Awka on Friday.
