The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected armed robbers who allegedly posed as vigilante operatives to rob passengers aboard a shuttle bus along Ring Road, Nibo, in Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, following investigations into a case of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that police recovered two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, an ash-coloured shuttle bus, face masks, number plates, and other incriminating items from the suspects.
According to Ikenga, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects operated under the guise of vigilante personnel, using the shuttle bus to deceive and rob unsuspecting passengers.
“The suspects, all male, have been identified as Solomon Saddah, Okolocha George Kaosisochukwu, John Obi Ogwaju, Chukwuemeka Chisom Ikenwa, and Eze Obinna Joshua,” the statement said.
He added that during interrogation, the suspects made useful statements, admitting their involvement in criminal activities and explaining their mode of operation.
“They are currently cooperating with the police and providing information that will help uncover other criminal collaborators and networks,” Ikenga noted.
The police spokesperson reassured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
He said further updates on the case would be communicated as investigations progress.
Meanwhile, on December 17, the Anambra State Police Command, arrested over 300 suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, secessionist activities, rape, and other criminal offences across the state.
During the operation, 35 kidnapped victims were rescued, while over 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives, were recovered.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, also disclosed that more than 60 stolen vehicles, including motorcycles, were recovered, with several criminal convictions secured. He attributed the success to improved intelligence gathering, strategic innovations, and enhanced crime prevention measures deployed by the command throughout the year.