The Anambra Stae Police Command says its operatives have arrested no less than 32 suspected cultists and criminals.
DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state command who disclosed this on Sunday said that the operatives also recovered guns and other dangerous weapons from the suspects.
He said the raids that led to the arrests were part of the determined efforts to rid Anambra of all forms of criminality, adding that the suspects were involved in crimes including armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, and extortion.
“Acting on credible information, the Command operatives on March 30 arrested one Ozo Olie Ifeanyi, 43, in his residence at Odoje village, Onitsha and recovered one locally fabricated single barrel pistol and one live ammunition concealed in a bag.
“He has confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Cult Group and specializes in robbing unsuspecting members of the public of their valuables.
“Another suspect, one Ifeanyi Nwobu, 49, from Enugu-Ukwu was arrested on the same date.
“The command also recovered one locally-made Beretta pistol, one magnum pump-action and ammunition from the suspects who have made statements that are useful for investigation,” he said.
The Police spokesman also said that 30 suspected touts, ranging from 17 years to 44 years, were arrested for flouting Anambra State Government’s ban on touting, extortion, and illegal revenue collection in the state.
According to him, they were nabbed on April 6 around Tarzan Junction, Owerri road, Upper Iweka, Ochanja Junction, Awada road, Head Bridge, Kara Junction, and Atani road.
He equally reiterated the resolve of the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Echeng Echeng, to defend the people of the state from all criminality and insecurity.
“Protection of lives and property, maintenance of law and order will never be taken for granted, we call on residents to increase the level of information they give us,” he stated.
