The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang, including a confessed deserter from the Nigerian Army, in a major breakthrough against violent crime in the state.
The suspects were apprehended on August 27, 2025, following the abduction of a victim on his farmland in Isiagu, Awka South Local Government Area.
The victim was later released after a ransom was reportedly paid.
Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, stormed the gang’s hideout in Notoko, Awka, where the arrests were made.
Those arrested were identified as Michael Nwobodo, 30; Eze Friday, 29; Uche Okolo, 23; Chinedu Gilbert, 29; and Dominic Oraz, 38, a confessed deserter from the Nigerian Army.
A cache of weapons and items believed to have been used for their criminal activities was recovered during the operation.
Among the exhibits seized were six automatic pump-action guns, 63 rounds of live cartridges, a rocket launcher, three Motorola walkie-talkies, five machetes, a military cap, two police teargas canisters, handcuffs, a microscope, criminal charms, a jack knife, a power bank, and ₦26,000 in cash.
During interrogation, Dominic Oraz admitted that he deserted the Nigerian Army in November 2024, raising concerns about the infiltration of criminal gangs by ex-service personnel.
Police confirmed that necessary enquiries have been initiated with the military to guide the prosecution process.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, MNIPS, PhD, commended the operatives for their swift and decisive action.
He urged residents of the state to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and proactive in reporting suspicious movements to security agencies. According to him, the operation underscores the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring public safety.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, reaffirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured Ndi Anambra that the Command remains resolute in its fight against violent crime.