The Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with a Joint Security Force, has continued its operational offensive against criminal elements in the state, successfully arresting two suspects and recovering dangerous materials, including a large quantity of gunpowder concealed in a bag of cassava flakes (garri), a locally-made pistol, and live ammunition.
The first operation took place on September 22, 2024, when a police-led patrol team intercepted a suspect, whose identity has been withheld, along the Pillar-Pole area of Aguata. The suspect was carrying three bags of garri. Upon searching the bags, the operatives discovered a large stash of gunpowder hidden beneath the foodstuff. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was on his way to deliver groceries and gunpowder to a criminal camp for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The suspect is currently in police custody and assisting with the investigation, which aims to dismantle the entire criminal gang.
In another related development, the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS), acting on credible intelligence, raided a criminal hideout in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area on September 25, 2024. During the raid, the police apprehended one Nelson Wisdom, a male suspect from Etsako East, Edo State. Officers also recovered a locally fabricated pistol and two live rounds of ammunition from the scene.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining the ongoing crackdown on criminal activities through intelligence-driven operations. He emphasized that the police and other security agencies will continue working together to frustrate the plans of criminal elements in the state.
“All suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” confirmed SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer for Anambra State Police Command.