Police arrest 13 suspected armed robbers, cultists, recover pump-action gun

Abia State Police have arrested 13 individuals suspected of various crimes, including armed robbery, cultism, and pipeline vandalism. The arrests were made during intelligence-led operations conducted between August 2 and 4 across the state. Authorities also recovered firearms, live ammunition, suspected illicit drugs, and other incriminating items.

The operations were carried out by operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Urratta Divisional Police Station. These actions come amid heightened security measures aimed at combating violent crimes, particularly in Aba and other parts of Abia. Previous efforts in June saw the deputy inspector-general of police for the South-east ordering urgent security responses due to a rise in armed robbery and violent incidents in Aba.

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at gunpoint, accosted and dispossessed a victim of his bag and personal belongings.

In one significant operation on August 4, VCRU operatives raided a meeting of a violent criminal group in Umuezeagwu, Umuahia North. This raid led to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of a pump-action gun, a Beretta pistol, six live cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, suspected hard drugs, walkie-talkies, and various berets.

Other arrests included Williams Ifeanyi, suspected of armed robbery at gunpoint on Market Road, Aba, from whom a locally made pistol and live cartridges were recovered. John Chigozie and David Anyaka were arrested for alleged armed robbery at a hotel in Aba, with a pistol and ammunition seized. Additionally, Uchenna Agbneiwu was intercepted while transporting a vandalized pipeline concealed in a Toyota Hiace bus. Police are pursuing other suspects linked to the vandalism. The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to provide useful information.

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the protection of lives and property, prevention and detection of crime, and the maintenance of law and order.