By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a criminal gang in another major raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area of the State, during which the operatives recovered many sachets of suspected illicit drugs valued at ₦1.45 million, a fake United States $100 note, vandalised electrical wires and cash.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Friday, August 21, 2026, noting that the operation was carried out on Thursday by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.
According to the statement, the operatives stormed the suspected hideout at about 12:48 p.m. on August 20, following intelligence on criminal activities in the area, leading to the arrest of the five male suspects identified as Omogo Obinna, 29; Okechukwu Nwagba, 28; Echezona Okonkwo, 29; Awal Umar, 23; and Ogadinma Boniface, 33.
SP Ikenga said the raid also yielded substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, Indian Hemp, Canadian Loud, Black Mamba, Colorado and Loud, alongside the vandalised electrical wires, ₦72,550 cash and the suspected counterfeit $100 note.
The Police spokesman further stated that preliminary investigation had indicated that the suspects were allegedly members of a criminal network operating within the area.
He added that the suspects had made useful statements to the Police during interrogation and were said to have mentioned the names of other alleged members of the gang, prompting further efforts to track down those still at large.
According to the PPRO’s statement, while reacting to the development, the State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the operatives for the successful raid and directed that the investigation be conducted thoroughly and professionally.
The Police Spokesman said the Commissioner also ordered intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure that anyone found to have participated in the alleged criminal activities is brought to justice.
The Command further reaffirmed its commitment to tackling drug-related offences, vandalism and other forms of criminality across the State, while urging residents to continue providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in identifying criminal activities and disrupting criminal networks.
