The Anambra State Police Command has neutralised a 21-year-old suspected armed robber and notorious cultist during a security operation in the state.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, police operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Enugu-Ukwu, carried out the operation in the early hours of Monday.
The operatives neutralised one Chukwuka Solomon, aged 21, who was alleged to be involved in armed robbery and cult-related activities.
According to the statement, the suspect attempted to escape while police were conducting a search operation at a criminal hideout in Amikwo, Awka South Local Government Area.
He was subsequently subdued during the operation.
The police recovered one pump-action gun, two locally made pistols, and several rounds of live ammunition from the scene, indicating the gang’s operational capacity and preparedness for violent attacks.
The Command further disclosed that the operatives repelled an ambush by other suspected gang members during the raid.
Bloodstains discovered at the scene suggest that some of the fleeing suspects may have escaped with gunshot wounds.
The suspect was initially apprehended through the efforts of members of the Amikwo community, who handed him over to the police following allegations that he had been terrorising residents with firearms.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as “Baggars,” a cult group allegedly linked to violent crimes in the area.
He also admitted that the recovered weapons belonged to the confraternity and were used in their operations.
Additionally, he allegedly confessed to working for a suspected crime figure popularly known as “Aza Man,” who is believed to be connected to criminal activities disrupting peace and security in Awka and its environs.
Police operatives are currently acting on intelligence provided by the suspect to track down the alleged gang leader and other members of the group.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across the state.
The Command assured the public that further updates on the ongoing investigation will be communicated in due course.
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