By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command in another operational breakthrough arrested a notorious armed robber linked to several violent crimes, including the killing of a serving member of the Anambra State House of Assembly.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, carried out the successful operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state on Monday.

The 26-year-old suspect whose name was given as Ugochukwu Uzor was said to have been arrested at Iyowa Odekpe in Ogbaru LGA during a major offensive operation against criminal elements in the area.

According to the police spokesperson, the suspect was apprehended after a fierce confrontation with the operatives, during which a locally made Beretta pistol and eleven live rounds of ammunition were recovered from him

He said: "Uzor is a dangerous criminal with a long history of violent activities across Anambra State and neighbouring states. He also bears a large tattoo on his body with the inscriptions “No Forgiveness” and “No Mercy,” This is reflective of his hardened criminal disposition.

"During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being the leader of several criminal gangs operating within and outside Anambra State.

"He also reportedly admitted his involvement in the abduction and murder of Hon. Azuka Justice, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, who was killed on December 24, 2024, a widely condemned crime across the state and beyond."

While describing the arrest as a significant breakthrough in its ongoing fight against violent crime and criminal syndicates, the Command stressed that the development will greatly aid further investigations and possible arrests of other gang members.

It further assured residents of the state of sustained security efforts, even as it called for vigilance and continued cooperation of Anambra people with law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities or providing credible and timely information that could help in crime prevention and detection, through the Police Control Room number 07039194332 or the PPRO’s line on 08039334002.