Residents of Anambra State can now breathe a sigh of relief after police operatives smashed a notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate that had been terrorizing Awka and its environs.
In a midnight operation on September 1, 2025, officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu stormed Amansea, Awka, and arrested four suspected gang members. The breakthrough was confirmed in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to Ikenga, the raid also led to the recovery of two pump-action rifles and nine live cartridges believed to have been used by the suspects in their operations.
The arrested suspects were identified as Chigozie Igboekwu (31), Odumegwu Chibuike (23), Jonah Awudu (40), and Okechukwu Nwari (33). Police said they had already confessed to their involvement in kidnapping and robbery.
Investigations revealed that the suspects abducted two victims on August 12, 2025, around 7:00 pm in Amansea. The victims were reportedly taken into a bush in Ugwuoba, Enugu State, where they were held for two days before being released after paying a ransom of ₦5 million.
The case was initially reported at B Division, Awka, on August 14, before being transferred to the RRS for further investigation, which eventually led to the breakthrough.
Reacting to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, PhD, commended the gallant operatives for their bravery and resilience, stressing that the Command remains resolute in its fight against criminals.
“We are sending a strong message to all criminals: there is no hiding place in Anambra. The Command will stop at nothing to rid the state of kidnappers and armed robbers. Ndi Anambra should be assured that their safety remains our top priority,” Orutugu declared.
Ikenga added that the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations, while a manhunt has been launched to track down other fleeing members of the gang.
With this successful crackdown, residents expressed hope for an end to the reign of fear that had gripped parts of the state in recent months.
