…“They are working closely with the police and supplying useful information to aid the identification of other criminal associates and networks.”
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended five suspected armed robbers accused of disguising themselves as vigilante operatives to attack passengers aboard a shuttle bus along Ring Road, Nibo, in Awka South Local Government Area.
The development was revealed in a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to Ikenga, items recovered from the suspects include two pump-action rifles, five live cartridges, an ash-coloured shuttle bus, face masks, number plates and other incriminating materials.
He noted that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, carried out the arrest after investigations linked the suspects to criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.
The statement partly read: “As part of ongoing investigations into a criminal conspiracy and armed robbery case, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, arrested five suspects at Ring Road, Nibo, Awka, and recovered two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, an ash-coloured shuttle bus, face masks, number plates and other incriminating items.
“All the suspects are male and have been identified as Solomon Saddah, Okolocha George Kaosisochukwu, John Obi Ogwaju, Chukwuemeka Chisom Ikenwa and Eze Obinna Joshua.
“During interrogation, the suspects made confessional statements, admitting their involvement in the crimes and explaining how they operated a shuttle bus while posing as vigilante operatives to carry out their activities.”
“They are working closely with the police and supplying useful information to aid the identification of other criminal associates and networks.”
Ikenga reassured residents that the Anambra State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property, while calling on members of the public to continue sharing prompt and credible intelligence.
He noted that additional information regarding the suspects would be released in due course.
It was reported that on December 17, the Anambra State Police Command arrested more than 300 suspects over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, secessionist activities, rape, and other crimes.
The operation also led to the rescue of 35 kidnapped victims and the recovery of over 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives.
The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed that more than 60 stolen vehicles, including motorcycles, were recovered, while several convictions were recorded, crediting the achievements to innovations and strengthened crime-prevention strategies adopted by the command throughout the year.
