By Izunna Okafor, Awka
In a continued effort to rid Anambra State of criminal activities, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Unit of the police command have arrested two suspected cultists and armed robbers in Awka.
The suspects, identified as 22-year-old Chibuike Ozoekwem and 19-year-old Favour Patrick, were apprehended in the early hours of March 18, 2025, in an uncompleted building at Onwurah Street, Awka. The police recovered a pump-action gun, sixteen expended cartridges, a battle axe, and two suspected stolen mobile phones during the operation.
Confirming the arrest in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the successful operation was a direct result of the security measures put in place by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu. He noted that the move followed numerous complaints about armed robbery incidents targeting innocent road users along Club Road in Awka, popularly known as Abakaliki Street.
According to him, a victim of one of the robberies has already identified one of the recovered phones, confirming that she was robbed at gunpoint by four armed men on March 13, 2025, along Club Road. He added that investigations have been expanded to track down other members of the criminal gang.
SP Ikenga assured that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to ensuring the safety of residents and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
