Five robbers posing as vigilantes nabbed in Anambra

File photo: Map of Anambra State

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected armed robbers who allegedly posed as vigilante operatives to rob passengers in a shuttle bus at Ring Road, Nibo, in the Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement made available to PUNCH Metro on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga.

Ikenga said police operatives recovered two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, an ash-coloured shuttle bus, face masks, number plates, and other incriminating items from the suspects.

He explained that the suspects were apprehended by officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following investigations into criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.

The statement read in part, “In furtherance of the ongoing investigation into a case of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, have arrested five suspects and recovered two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, an ash-coloured shuttle bus, face masks, number plates, and other incriminating items at Ring Road, Nibo, Awka.

“The suspects, all male, include Solomon Saddah, Okolocha George Kaosisochukwu, John Obi Ogwaju, Chukwuemeka Chisom Ikenwa, and Eze Obinna Joshua.

“During interrogation, the suspects made useful statements admitting their involvement in criminal activities and revealed how they operated a shuttle bus under the guise of vigilante personnel to commit offences.

“They are currently cooperating with the police and providing information to help uncover other criminal collaborators and networks.”

Ikenga assured residents that the state police command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information.

He added that further updates on the suspects would be communicated.

PUNCH Metro reports that on December 17, the Anambra State Police Command arrested over 300 suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, secessionist activities, rape, and other offences.

During the operation, 35 kidnap victims were rescued, and over 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives, were recovered.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, said more than 60 stolen vehicles, including motorcycles, were recovered, and several criminal convictions were secured, attributing the success to innovations and enhanced crime prevention strategies deployed by the command throughout the year.