Anambra Police Smash Robbery /Cult Syndicate

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command, have busted a robbery/cult syndicate operating around the Unizik axis of Awka, the state capital.

The development is contained in a statement issued by the command spokesperson, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu.

According to the command, the operatives also picked up seven suspected robbers and cultists during the raid from whom were recovered several dangerous weapons, including a cut-to-size Double barrel gun, a tricycle and sundry psychotropic substances.

"Anambra Police on 3/4/2024 at 10 pm arrested seven suspected cultists and armed robbers, recovered a cut-size double barrel gun, one tricycle without a reg number, and some hard drugs.

"The suspects include Chukwuemka Ozoekwe age 18 years old, Chidozie Anagor aged 18 years, Chukwuemeka Oyeoka aged 18 years, Ebuka Okoye 17 years, Olisa Obi 19 years, Chidubem Nwakwu 20 years and Nwankwo Kosisochukwu all males. While Makuo Nwosu ‘m’ a k a Baby and one other person whose name is yet to be identified are wanted," the statement said.

The statement explained that the Command's Special Anti-Cult Squad, also known as SPACS, intercepted all males occupants of a tricycle, including the driver, all of whom took to their heels while they were being questioned.

Although the rest escaped, one Chukwuemka Ozoekwe was arrested. He later led the police to their hideout where 18-year old Chidozie Anagor and his 18 year-old partner in crime, Chukwuemeka Oyeoka, were arrested.

The operatives also raided the gang's harbor where they picked up 17 year-old Ebuka Okoye, Olisa Obi, 19, Chidubem Nwakwu, 20 years, and Nwankwo Kosisochukwu. The manhunt for two other suspects, Makuko Nwosu, aka, Baby, alongside one other unnamed partner is on.

 "Police attached to Special Anti-Cult Squad SPACS while on patrol at Unizik Junction intercepted all males and five occupants including the driver of a tricycle. Operatives in a bid to question them, the Occupants took to their heels while the others escaped, Chukwuemka Ozoekwe was arrested."

The suspects confessed to being members of the Vipers Cult group, adding that they are part of the gangs terrorizing Awka metropolis recently.

They also confessed to being on a mission to rob the road users of their phones and other personal belongings before the arrest.

While assuring the people of the ability and readiness of the command to ensure safety of lives and property, Acting Police Commissioner, DCP Fidelis Ogarabe, who is in charge of Finance and Administration, enjoined the operatives to sustain the tempo in the fight against crime in the state.

He also assured that nothing will be taken for granted in the fight against crime and criminals in the state.