The Anambra State Police Command said it has arrested two suspected kidnappers and members of an armed robbery gang, operating at Uga, Ekwulobia, Umuchu, Nkpologu, Ezinifite, Aguata communities and environs.

The suspects were said to be members of a notorious secessionist group involved in kidnapping, car snatching and armed robbery operating at the remote communities in the state.

This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the state police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Thursday.

Ikenga said security operatives comprising of military, civil defence and other security forces carried out the arrest.

He added that the suspects were arrested on Thursday through a follow-up of an investigation of a kidnap incident in the Aguata community reported to the police in 2023.

He said among the two suspects (names withheld), one has bullet wounds on his leg while the other is a “fake pastor” preparing criminal charms for the gang members.

He said, “In a follow-up of an investigation of a kidnap incident in Aguata reported to the police sometime last year, joint security operatives working on credible information, in mid-day of today 22/8/2024 comprising of military, civil defence and other security forces arrested two notorious secessionist group members involved in kidnapping, car snatching, and armed robbery operating at uga, Ekwulobia, Umuchu, Nkpologu, Ezinifite, Aguata environs.

“Among the two suspects (names withheld), one has bullet wounds on his leg, while the other, a fake pastor preparing criminal charms for the gang members has confessed to the crime and is already assisting the Police in apprehending other gang members.

“The suspects have also provided information on the location of the shrine where they prepare the charms and some snatched vehicles.”

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, has assured people of the state that the command is working tirelessly on all reported cases, especially incidents of kidnap, armed robbery and otherwise, as the trust bestowed on us for the protection of life and properties is not taken for granted. (The PUNCH)

Update news