The Anambra State Police Command has taken into custody five men accused of carrying out armed robberies while pretending to be vigilante operatives in Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the suspects were arrested at Ring Road in Nibo following coordinated operations by officers of the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu. The arrests followed intelligence reports linking the group to a series of robberies targeting passengers using a commercial shuttle bus.
Ikenga said the police recovered two pump-action firearms, five live cartridges, an ash-coloured shuttle bus believed to have been used during the robberies, as well as face masks, number plates and other items connected to the crimes.
According to the police, the suspects—Solomon Saddah, Okolocha George Kaosisochukwu, John Obi Ogwaju, Chukwuemeka Chisom Ikenwa and Eze Obinna Joshua—allegedly posed as vigilante personnel to deceive commuters and carry out their attacks.
During questioning, the suspects reportedly admitted their involvement and explained how they operated under the guise of community security operatives to rob unsuspecting passengers. The police said the suspects are now assisting investigators with information that could help track down other accomplices and dismantle the wider criminal network.
The command reassured residents of its commitment to maintaining public safety and urged citizens to continue sharing useful information that could aid crime prevention efforts across the state.
The arrests come shortly after the Anambra State Police Command announced the detention of hundreds of suspects linked to offences such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, rape and other violent crimes. In those operations, dozens of abducted victims were rescued, while large quantities of weapons, ammunition and stolen vehicles were recovered.
Police authorities said the recent breakthroughs reflect improved security strategies, enhanced intelligence gathering and sustained efforts to curb criminal activities across Anambra State.
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