Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have arrested four individuals during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Ugwueke, located in Bende Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa.
According to the statement, the suspects identified as Onyema Ike, Chukwuma Kelvin, Chidera Fredrick, and Onyekachi Okafor were apprehended during the operation.
Police said the raid led to the recovery of several items, including spent cartridges, locally made gunpowder, the drug Tramadol, and other substances suspected to be illegal drugs.
The operation was reportedly carried out based on credible intelligence regarding an unlawful gathering of suspected cult members believed to be causing unrest in the Ugwueke community.
Officers from the divisional headquarters in Igbere, Bende, and Uzuakoli, alongside the command’s Tactical Team, conducted the raid at Isieke in Ugwueke.
Police authorities said the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.
The command also confirmed that security monitoring in the area has been intensified to prevent further threats to public safety.
Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa reaffirmed the command’s dedication to proactive policing in line with the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
He further urged residents to support law enforcement efforts by promptly reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
