Anambra Police Dismantle Criminal Hideout in Nnewi, Arrest Two Cult-Linked Suspects

 

Residents of Nnewi in Anambra State can breathe a little easier following the arrest of two men linked to criminal activity, including cultism and kidnapping, thanks to swift police action. At about 1:45 pm on Thursday, security operatives attached to the Otolo-Nnewi division made the arrest during a well-coordinated operation sparked by credible intelligence.

The suspects, identified as 21-year-old Ani Obinna and 43-year-old Okwudili Ezike, were apprehended after a dramatic pursuit that led officers to a concealed criminal hideout. A foreign-made pistol, three rounds of live ammunition, and a lady’s motorcycle — believed to have been stolen — were recovered from the scene.

Revealing details of the operation, the Anambra State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, said the arrests represent a significant breakthrough in the Command's ongoing efforts to uproot criminal networks operating in the state. The PPRO disclosed that the suspects confessed during interrogation to belonging to a secret cult and a kidnapping syndicate.

Police intelligence had pointed to suspicious activity in the area, prompting operatives to intensify surveillance. It was during one of these surveillance routines that actionable information led officers to the location where the suspects were eventually cornered. The suspects, upon realizing they had been discovered, attempted to flee. However, they were swiftly overpowered by the alert officers.

Authorities say that the intelligence shared by the suspects is already aiding further investigations. According to SP Ikenga, the confessions provided are guiding law enforcement toward other members of the gang, with additional arrests anticipated in the coming days.

The operation is being hailed as a milestone by local security officials who have been under pressure to respond to rising concerns over cult-related violence and kidnapping incidents in the region. While the suspects are now in custody, police sources indicate that several leads are being pursued to uncover the broader network to which they belong.

SP Ikenga noted that this recent breakthrough underscores the Command’s broader strategy to combat criminality across Anambra. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a visible security presence and assured residents that proactive measures are in place to prevent the resurgence of such elements in the area.

“Anambra Police Command is unwavering in its commitment to creating a safe and secure atmosphere where businesses and daily activities can flourish without fear. This is just one of many steps we are taking,” Ikenga said.

He further explained that patrol efforts have been ramped up not just in Nnewi but across other vulnerable zones of the state. Communities have also been urged to support the police by continuing to provide timely information and cooperating during investigations.

The confiscation of the foreign-made pistol and the stolen motorcycle points to the alarming trend of criminals gaining access to sophisticated weaponry. Authorities believe that such weapons may have been used in previous criminal operations and are currently cross-referencing the evidence with open case files.

Security experts commend the police for what they describe as a textbook example of intelligence-led policing. The collaborative approach between local informants and law enforcement was instrumental in ensuring the operation’s success, reinforcing the message that public cooperation is vital in the fight against crime.

Community leaders in Otolo-Nnewi expressed relief and gratitude for the quick response and professional handling of the situation. Some residents who spoke on condition of anonymity said they had been troubled by suspicious movements in the area and were glad that the police acted decisively before the situation escalated.

Efforts are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in criminal enterprises beyond the charges they currently face. It is anticipated that once investigations are concluded, the suspects will be arraigned in court to face justice.

The Anambra Police Command is reiterating its resolve to sustain the momentum, warning that criminal elements will find no haven in the state. The command has also assured the public that more targeted operations are underway, particularly in areas previously identified as crime flashpoints.

With this recent development, Anambra inches closer to fulfilling its goal of eliminating threats to public safety. As the police build on this success, the call for citizens to remain vigilant and engaged remains stronger than ever.