The police in Abia State have arrested 13 suspected armed robbers, cultists, and one suspected pipeline vandal in different operations across the state. They recovered firearms, live ammunition, suspected hard drugs, and other items.
Maureen Chinaka, the police spokesperson in the state, shared this information in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday. She said the arrests happened between 2 and 4 August by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Urratta Divisional Police Station.
These operations are part of increased efforts by security agencies to reduce violent crimes in Aba and other areas of Abia. In June, the deputy inspector-general of police for the South-east ordered immediate security measures due to rising armed robbery and violent attacks in Aba.
In May, the police announced they had arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered ransom that was allegedly paid by the victim’s family.
Cult meeting raided
The police reported a major breakthrough on 4 August when VCRU operatives, acting on good intelligence, raided a meeting of a violent criminal group at Umuezeagwu in Umuahia North.
The operation led to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of one pump-action gun, one Beretta pistol, six live cartridges, one cutlass, one axe, suspected hard drugs, walkie-talkies, one face mask, two red berets, and one black beret.
Robbery, vandalism suspects arrested
In another operation, VCRU operatives arrested 27-year-old Williams Ifeanyi on 2 August. He is suspected of armed robbery along Market Road by Rail in Aba. The police claim he held a victim at gunpoint and stole a bag and personal items.
A locally made pistol and live cartridges were recovered from him, according to the statement.
In a similar case, 25-year-old John Chigozie and 26-year-old David Anyaka were arrested by Urratta Divisional Police Station for armed robbery at a hotel in Aba on 1 August. Officers recovered a pistol and live ammunition from them, and investigations are still ongoing.
In a separate case, the police arrested 27-year-old Uchenna Agbneiwu, who is from Nkume in Imo State but lives in Ubakala, Umuahia. Police intercepted him while he was transporting a vandalised large galvanised pipeline hidden with sawdust in a white Toyota Hiace bus.
Ms Chinaka mentioned that efforts continue to catch other suspects linked to the vandalism.
Police seek public support
The police reaffirmed their commitment to fighting crime. They said they are focused on protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining law and order. They urged residents to assist security agencies by providing useful information.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇