The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate that has been terrorizing residents of Awka and its environs.
Among the suspects is one Dominic Oraz, a 38-year-old man who reportedly deserted the Nigerian Army in November 2024.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said the arrests followed a swift operation by police operatives acting on a tip-off.
According to him, a victim had been abducted while working on his farm in Isiagu, Awka South Local Government Area, and was later released after a ransom was paid.
He stated acting swiftly on intelligence, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, stormed the syndicate’s hideout in Notoko, Awka, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
The arrested individuals are:Michael Nwobodo, male, 30 years old,Eze Friday, male, 29 years old,Uche Okolo, male, 23 years old,Chinedu Gilbert, male, 29 years old,Dominic Oraz, male, 38 years old (a self-confessed deserter of the Nigerian Army)
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of several dangerous items and suspected tools of criminal activity. The recovered exhibits include:Six (6) automatic pump-action rifles,Sixty-three (63) live cartridges,One (1) microscope,Five (5) machetes,One (1) military camouflage cap,Two (2) police-issue teargas canisters,One (1) pair of handcuffs and One (1) locally made rocket launcher.
Other include Assorted criminal charms,Three (3) Motorola walkie-talkies,One (1) jackknife,One (1) power bank,A cash sum of ₦26,000 (Twenty-Six Thousand Naira)
SP Ikenga further disclosed that during preliminary interrogation, Dominic Oraz admitted to having deserted the Nigerian Army in late 2024. He is currently undergoing further questioning, while necessary inquiries have been initiated with the relevant military authorities to validate his claims and determine the appropriate course of action.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu has commended the operatives for their swift and courageous response. He urged residents of Anambra to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and proactive in reporting any suspicious activities to the police.
CP Orutugu also reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating violent crimes across the state and maintaining the safety and security of lives and property.
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