Operation Puff Adder, a special anti-crime operational code of the Command Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), Anambra Police Command, has arrested 49-year-old Chukwudi Igwilo of Nanka in the Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State for alleged robbery.

The suspect has been on the police wanted list in relation to cases of armed robbery and other heinous crimes in the state.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, said that one locally made single barrel pistol and five life cartridges were recovered in the suspect’s possession as exhibit.

The statement reads in part: “On the June 16, 2019 at about 9:15pm, following intelligence report, Police operatives attached to the SARS, arrested one Chukwudi Igwilo aged 49 years of Nanka in Orumba north LGA of Anambra State.”

He said that while the case is under investigation, effort is ongoing to apprehend his accomplices and bring them to justice.

Meanwhile, the Command's Special Anti Cult unit (SPACS) in conjunction with Operation Puff Adder carried out raids at various locations throughout the state and arrested 51 suspects.

Out of the 51 suspects arrested, 13 were screened out, eight suspects charged to court, 12 were placed under police supervision for being under age while 18 others are undergoing investigation.

The statement said: “On the June 10, 2019 at Oko axis, nine suspected cultists arrested. On the June 11, 2019 at Igbariam, five suspected cultists arrested. On the June 12, 2019 at Uli, 12 suspected cultists arrested. On the June 13, 2019 at Ogidi/Nteje, 14 suspected cultists arrested. On the June 14, 2019 at Awka axis, three suspected cultists arrested. On the June 15, 2019 at Amawbia, four suspected cultists arrested. On the June 16, 2019 at Ogbunike/Umueri axis, four suspected cultists arrested.

“Similarly, on the June 17, 2019 at about 4:05pm, Police detectives attached to Abagana Division arrested one Mr. Chukwuneke Nnaemeka aged 23 years of Akpu village, Abagana in Njikoka LGA of Anambra State.”

Mohammed said that the suspect who has been on the police wanted list for various offences also belonged to a secret cult group known as Bagger Confraternity, adding that he is assisting the Police with useful information that will lead to the arrest of his accomplices in order to bring them to book.

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