Nine Arrested in Anambra as Police Seize Illegal Arms

The Anambra State Police Command has successfully intercepted two vehicles laden with illegal firearms, leading to the arrest of nine individuals. The operation, which took place during a stop-and-search at a checkpoint in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, involved a collaborative effort between various security agencies.

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The Anambra State Police Command, through the Joint Operation Base, Aguata, led by the Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Austin Elaigwu, in the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026, in collaboration with other security agencies comprising the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Immigration Service, as well as operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit, intercepted two vehicles during a stop-and-search operation at a checkpoint in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to a statement released by the command's spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Joint Operation Base, Aguata, led by Chief Superintendent of Police Austin Elaigwu, coordinated the interception. Assisting agencies included the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Agunechemba Security Outfit.

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A thorough search of the vehicles led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, charms and other items considered relevant to the ongoing investigation.

A thorough search of the intercepted vehicles, identified as a custom-colored Sienna and an ash-colored Toyota RAV4, yielded significant seizures. Authorities recovered three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, and various charms. The nine suspects, comprising seven men and two women, were immediately taken into custody for further questioning and investigation.

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However, they were unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their identities, affiliations, possession of the firearms and the purpose of their movement into Anambra State.

During preliminary interrogations, the arrested individuals reportedly claimed to be security operatives from a neighboring state. However, they were unable to provide satisfactory justifications for their identities, affiliations, possession of the firearms, or their presence in Anambra State. The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the operatives for their diligence and urged them to maintain vigilance, attributing the success to intelligence-led policing and effective stop-and-search operations.

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The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the operatives for a job well done and encouraged them to remain vigilant, noting that the recovery was the result of intelligence-led policing and effective stop-and-search operations.