The Anambra State Police Command has announced the recovery of at least 20 improvised explosive devices, rifles, and other evidence during multiple operations conducted throughout the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnaghe Itam, disclosed this to journalists in Awka during a press briefing on Friday, adding that the operations were conducted by police operatives and other allied agencies.

During the briefing, the CP also paraded 13 suspects, who he said were arrested in various parts of the state for offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, and cult-related crimes.

While parading the suspects, Itam revealed their names: Emeka Okolo (aged 29), from Ihiala, Anambra State; Uchenna John (aged 21), from Ebonyi State; and Victor Iniukpong (aged 31), from Akwa Ibom State. They were arrested while attempting to disconnect the tracker from a car belonging to a victim they had kidnapped on July 15 in Nimo community, Njikoka LGA of Anambra, where they also shot one person dead during the incident.

The CP also mentioned Nnatu Chiedozie (aged 43), from Enugu Ukwu, Anambra; Onyeka Okoye (aged 22), from Uruagu Mbaukwu in Anambra; and Ndubuisi Abate (aged 19), from Ayamelum, Anambra, as other suspects who were arrested for a kidnapping-related crime committed in Obosi on July 21.

Additionally, Emeka Okotor (aged 18), from Awka; Chidubem Ejiofor (aged 18), from Awka; Chigbo Nwankwo (aged 20), from Awka; and Chijioke Onyibor (aged 18), from Awka, were arrested for armed robbery and cultism-related crimes in Awka.

Also paraded were Chigbogu Favour (aged 33), from Ihiala, Anambra, and Mbanefo Udeze (aged 36), from Oraifite, Anambra, who had travelled to Anambra to kidnap their victims and took them to Asaba where they had their hideouts.

Other suspects paraded included Chigaemezu Okafor, popularly known as England (aged 26), from Mbano, Imo State, and Uchenna Nwaiwu (aged 20), from Ngor Okpala, also in Imo State, who have masterminded several kidnapping incidents in different parts of Anambra State.

Ugochukwu Francis (aged 36), who has been involved in a series of kidnapping and armed robbery cases in Anambra State with his syndicate, was also paraded.

Itam noted that arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects. He also announced that police operatives and other security agencies had recovered about 20 improvised explosive devices from different parts of the state, where the gunmen had strategically positioned them for detonation.

He said, “The recovered bombs include: Attacking Mile IED (recovered from an ESN camp at Ugbenu, close to Isuaniocha in Awka North LGA); Attacking Mile IED (recovered from Aguluezechukwu ESN Camp); six Light-and-Spark IEDs (recovered from Ogbunka ESN Camp); nine Light-and-Spark IEDs (recovered from an ESN camp); and two Light-and-Spark IEDs (recovered from a vehicle abandoned by the ESN along the Ogbunka axis).”

“We reassure you that the Command will maintain the tempo of operations to restore peace throughout the state. I also want to use this opportunity to assure Ndi Anambra and all those engaged in legitimate businesses that we are prepared to sustain our efforts to restore peace across the state.

“On behalf of all law enforcement and security agencies in the state, I want to say that we understand the magnitude of the trust placed in us to protect life and property. Despite obvious systemic challenges, the officers and men of the command are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all well-meaning citizens, and I am confident that we are winning the fight against crime in the state.”

Regarding the recent spate of kidnappings around Dubai Estate in Awka, the Police Commissioner noted that the Command is investigating to ascertain the true situation.

He warned against the circulation and peddling of unverified security-related information in the media, which, he said, creates panic and could jeopardise police investigations.

He advised anyone with security-related information to contact the police for proper action and response.

Reacting to the proposed nationwide hunger protest, Itam said the Anambra State Police Command would not prevent people from protesting. However, any form of violence or violent protest that threatens the fragile peace in the state would not be tolerated.

He cautioned that some people might attempt to hijack the protest to perpetrate crimes or victimise others, including those not involved.

“I want to state clearly that the Police are mandated to regulate assemblies and protect peaceful protesters, including their routes and locations of interest. However, the Command will not tolerate any violence or any protest that threatens the fragile peace in the state,” Itam added.

The PUNCH reported that within two months of Itam assuming duties as Anambra Police Commissioner, he announced the arrest of no fewer than 200 other suspects involved in various crimes and the recovery of several guns and over 1,644 bullets.