The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a total of 54 suspects, including 39 men and 15 women, for crimes ranging from kidnapping, cult activities, and possession of hard drugs to dealing in banned substances. The arrests were carried out through coordinated raids by police operatives in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, and Ifitedunu, Dunukofia LGA, during separate operations.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the police headquarters in Awka on Monday. Representing the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, Ikenga explained that the operations were part of renewed strategies designed to restore order in the state and curb the growing involvement of youths between the ages of 18 and 26 in criminal activities.
Among the suspects were a boy and a girl in a romantic relationship who orchestrated a fake kidnapping. The duo reportedly extorted N1 million as ransom from the girl’s parents. Ikenga further revealed that 11 bags filled with large quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp) were also recovered during the raids.
He expressed the Command’s concern over the rising cases of moral decline in society, particularly among young people. He noted that despite previous successes, issues such as cultism and staged abductions still persist. He recalled an earlier case where a young lady conspired with her boyfriend to stage her own abduction, demanding N10 million from her parents before eventually collecting N3 million. In a related incident, another couple executed a similar scheme, receiving N1 million from the girl’s parents after the ransom demand was reduced from N10 million.
Ikenga highlighted that cult-related violence continues to escalate, citing the recent indiscriminate shooting at a burial ceremony in Ezi-Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, by suspected cultists. The attack resulted in four deaths and left fifteen others seriously injured. According to him, such incidents underscore the growing threat posed by crime and drug abuse.
He condemned these actions, stressing that they are unacceptable, and partly blamed the trend on poor parental supervision and lack of proper guidance for children. He assured that the Command has intensified surveillance, patrols, and intelligence operations to tackle the menace.
Ikenga explained that the Command is adopting both kinetic and non-kinetic measures, including inviting suspected cultists for questioning and carrying out raids on known drug hideouts. He emphasized that drug abuse plays a major role in emboldening youths to commit crimes.
He gave an example of a recent operation on September 12, 2025, when operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad, Enugwu-Ukwu, arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Chiderah Obochi, at Ifitedunu along the Old Onitsha/Awka Road. Obochi, who was riding a motorcycle, was found with dried leaves suspected to be cannabis. During interrogation, he admitted to being a drug courier in Umudioka Village, Dunukofia LGA, and led police to the home of one Ginika Okeke. Although Okeke was not present, police recovered 11 bags filled with cannabis from the residence. The seized substances are to be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further action.
In a separate operation on September 14, 2025, police raided a hideout in Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, where cultists were said to gather for their activities. A total of 54 suspects were arrested during the raid, including 38 men and 15 women. The suspects are currently undergoing screening and profiling, and those found culpable will be charged in court.
The Command reassured residents of Anambra State of its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the state remains safe for all law-abiding citizens.