13 held as police smash robbery, cult networks in Abia

The Abia State Police Command has announced the arrest of 13 male suspects, aged between 20 and 27, in connection with armed robbery, vandalism of government property, and unlawful possession of firearms. The arrests are part of the command's ongoing efforts to combat crime across the state.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, the recovered exhibits include a locally made pistol, a single-barrel gun, two live cartridges, a Beretta pistol, and a pump-action gun. Additionally, officers seized six more live cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, substances suspected to be hard drugs, walkie-talkies, a face mask, two red berets, and one black beret.

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successes in its kinetic and non-kinetic operational strategies in combating crime across the state, leveraging actionable intelligence.

The police highlighted their success in both kinetic and non-kinetic operational strategies. Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) apprehended Uchenna Agbneiwu, 27, who was found with a vandalized pipeline concealed in a Toyota Hiace bus. Efforts are underway to apprehend other fleeing suspects in this case.

In separate operations, the VCRU in Aba North arrested Williams Ifeanyi, 27, who allegedly robbed a victim at gunpoint. A pistol and live cartridges were recovered from him. Operatives from the Urratta Divisional Police Station arrested John Chigozie, 25, and David Anyaka, 26, for their involvement in an armed robbery at a hotel, with a pistol and ammunition seized. Furthermore, members of a violent criminal group were apprehended during a meeting in Umuahia, where firearms and other illicit items were recovered. The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order, encouraging residents to partner with the police by providing timely information.

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He was found in possession of a vandalised large galvanised pipeline concealed with sawdust in a white Toyota Hiace bus.