Police Dismantle Deadly Kidnap and Robbery Gang in Anambra, Arrest Four Suspects in Night Raid

 

A major breakthrough in the fight against violent crime was recorded on Friday evening as the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Anambra State Police Command stormed a criminal den in Uke, Idemili South Local Government Area, successfully arresting four members of a dreaded kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate.

The operation, executed around 7:30 p.m., followed actionable intelligence received by the police, leading to a swift and coordinated raid on the gang's hideout. Officers of the RRS unit based in Awkuzu carried out the mission, which resulted in the arrest of four individuals identified as key players in a criminal network terrorizing various parts of the state.

According to a statement issued by the Command's spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects—all between the ages of 19 and 28—have been identified as Chigozie Udolisa, known within criminal circles as T. Dollars; Anaolu Joseph, alias Blue; Chukwuka Udolisa, also known as Udokamiri; and a female suspect, Chinaza Udemezue.

Recovered from the location were items believed to be linked to the group’s nefarious activities. These included three vehicles: a black Lexus GS 350 with registration number ENU 561 LY, an ash-coloured Toyota Camry marked UWN 614 HK, and a navy blue Toyota Corolla with plate number UMZ 135 AD. Additional items found at the scene included an HP laptop, a car spraying machine, motor vehicle wiring kits, and quantities of methamphetamine, a dangerous narcotic commonly referred to in local parlance as Mkpurummiri.

Preliminary investigations revealed chilling details about the group’s operations. During interrogations, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in multiple kidnapping and armed robbery incidents. They also admitted to stealing cars and modifying their appearances using the equipment found at the hideout.

Ikenga disclosed that Chinaza Udemezue, the lone female suspect apprehended during the raid, admitted that her boyfriend—another member of the gang—fled the premises just as police closed in, taking along some firearms. His identity remains undisclosed for now as authorities intensify efforts to track down and apprehend him and other accomplices currently at large.

The police have since launched a broader investigation aimed at unmasking the full extent of the syndicate's operations, identifying additional gang members, and recovering any stolen property still in their possession. SP Ikenga reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to rooting out violent crime and restoring peace and security across Anambra communities.

“Our operatives remain on the trail of fleeing members of this gang. The Command is committed to ensuring that every one of them is brought to justice,” he said.

This operation marks yet another milestone in the growing successes of the Anambra State Police Command, particularly the Rapid Response Squad, whose tactical precision and readiness have become instrumental in combating rising criminal activity in the region.

Residents of Uke and surrounding communities have expressed relief at the news of the arrests, praising the police for their swift action. Local authorities are calling for increased community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement agencies to sustain the gains recorded in the clampdown.

As investigations continue, the Command has assured the public that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries and that the campaign against crime will be unrelenting.