Police in Anambra State have arrested five suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang in Awka, the state capital.
Among those taken into custody is a deserter of the Nigerian Army, believed to have played a major role in the gang’s operations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspects were apprehended on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, during a special operation by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu.
Ikenga said the operation was executed after the Command received intelligence on the abduction of a farmer at Isiagu, Awka.
The victim was reportedly released after an undisclosed amount of ransom was paid.
Ikenga said that, acting on credible intelligence, police operatives stormed the gang’s hideout at Notoko, Awka, leading to the arrest of the army deserter and four other suspects.
Ikenga identified the suspects as 38-year-old Dominic Oraz, a confessed deserter of the Nigerian Army; 30-year-old Michael Nwobodo; 29-year-old Eze Friday; 23-year-old Uche Okolo, and 29-year-old Chinedu Gilbert.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include six automatic pump-action guns, 63 rounds of live cartridges, one microscope, five machetes, one military cap, two police teargas canisters, handcuffs, a robber’s rocket launcher, criminal charms, three Motorola walkie-talkies, one jack knife, one power bank and cash sum of N26,000,” Ikenga stated.
He said that during interrogation, Oraz admitted abandoning the military in November 2024.
Ikenga noted that investigations are ongoing, particularly regarding the soldier, in collaboration with military authorities, to guide further police action and prosecution of all suspects.
He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for the operation and urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and to continue to report suspicious activities to the Police for prompt action.
The commissioner also assured the people of Anambra State the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating violent crimes.
