Police Capture Attackers and Rescue 10 Children in Abia

The Abia State Police Command has arrested suspects linked to the attack on Uratta Divisional Police Headquarters. They also rescued 10 stolen children and recovered 15 firearms and 30 stolen vehicles during operations across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Afolabi Wilfred, shared this information on Friday. He spoke to journalists about the command's achievements from September 11, 2026, to now.

He noted that police operatives acted on useful intelligence. They worked with other security agencies to catch some of the criminals involved in the attack on Uratta Divisional Police Headquarters on October 17, 2026.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects confessed to have led the team that was responsible for the attack.

"A discreet investigation is ongoing to find out more about this incident, identify other accomplices, and make sure everyone involved faces justice," the commissioner said.

Recent Operations

In another operation, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit raided a place in Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area on October 25, 2026. They were investigating an attempted murder case and arrested a suspect named Osita.

The police found one locally made double-barrelled long gun, one locally made single-barrelled long gun, 16 live cartridges, and four spent cartridges from him. The command also arrested Chisholm Okechukwu, 30, who is accused of illegally supplying ammunition. Both suspects have been charged in court after the investigation.

On child theft, the commissioner reported that operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested two suspects, Chinwe, 38, and another person, for conspiracy and suspected child stealing at a victim’s house on October 11, 2026.

The rescued children, Chiamaka Chikeze, 7, and Goodluck Chikeze, nine months old, were reunited with their parents. The suspects have also been charged in court.

Vehicle Theft Arrests

Also on October 11, 2026, around 8 pm, the police arrested a five-man vehicle theft gang, including Chimezie Moses, 43, and Kelechi Matthew Onoegu, 40. They recovered a Toyota Corolla with registration number ROU 9338J. The suspects have been charged in court.

The commissioner also mentioned that they arrested two suspects, Vincent Chidera, 27, and Onwachukwu Ernest, 25, for having a fake firearm and being part of an unlawful group. They were caught on October 31, 2026, for allegedly threatening students at Abia State University, Uturu, and stealing their mobile phones and other valuables with a locally made firearm.

"One of the suspects admitted to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity. We are still investigating to catch other gang members, and they will be charged in court soon," he said.

In another raid on October 28, 2026, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested a man named Iheanyi, 38, from Osisioma Ngwa. They recovered a locally made double-barrelled shotgun from him. He has been charged in court.

Crime Overview

The commissioner provided an overview of the situation. He said there were 211 cases of different crimes, including road traffic accidents, between September 11, 2026, and Friday. This led to the arrest of 89 men and 20 women.

"Many of these cases have been fully investigated and are in court, with some suspects held in correctional facilities," he said.

He mentioned that four cult-related cases resulted in the arrest of nine suspects, and they recovered 15 firearms during their operations.

"Through ongoing intelligence gathering, active policing, and targeted raids, we successfully rescued 10 stolen children and returned them to their families. We also recovered 60 rounds of ammunition, 30 stolen vehicles, and substances believed to be illegal drugs," the commissioner stated.

The CP said these operations have dismantled several criminal networks in the state. He added that crime analysis shows a significant drop in criminal activities, showing the effect of the command's operations.

"The command is committed to working with the community, improving intelligence gathering, increasing police presence, and responding effectively to security issues in Abia State," he said.

He encouraged the public to keep supporting the police by sharing information and taking part in community safety initiatives.

"The fight against crime is a collective effort. Your support is important for our work to keep Abia safe. Together we can maintain peace and security in the state," the commissioner concluded.