The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a criminal gang masquerading as vigilante operatives to carry out armed robbery and other criminal activities across the state.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, during ongoing investigations into a case of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery at Ring Road, Nibo, Awka.
Items recovered from the suspects include two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, an ash-coloured shuttle bus, face masks, a vehicle plate number, and other incriminating materials.
In a statement issued Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, disclosed that all five suspects are male.
He identified them as Solomon Saddah, Okolocha George Kaosisochukwu, John Obi Ogwaju, Chukwuemeka Chisom Ikenwa, and Eze Obinna Joshua.
According to the police spokesperson, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects operated under the guise of vigilante personnel, using a shuttle bus to move around communities while perpetrating armed robbery and causing havoc among unsuspecting residents.
SP Ikenga stated that during interrogation, the suspects made confessional statements admitting their involvement in the criminal acts and provided useful information on their mode of operation.
He added that the suspects are currently cooperating with the police and have continued to supply intelligence that may lead to the arrest of other members of the criminal network.
The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property in the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the police by providing timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and detection.
