Police Launch Manhunt For Notorious Arms Dealer ‘Kiss Me’ Terrorising Anambra Communities

 

A coordinated security operation between the Nigerian Police and the Anambra State Vigilante Service has led to the arrest of six individuals linked to a string of violent crimes, including armed robbery and the vandalism of public infrastructure. The effort, part of a larger campaign to restore safety across the state, is gaining momentum with a widening dragnet aimed at dismantling organized cult networks.

Authorities are now actively pursuing a fugitive identified only by the alias “Kiss Me,” a feared cultist and arms trafficker believed to be behind a wave of terror in the Oko Community, located in Orumba North Local Government Area. The suspect has long eluded capture and is described by residents and police alike as a major threat to public safety.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the arrests followed an intensive operation targeting criminal hotspots in the region. On May 19, two young men—25-year-old Anagor Chinedu and 23-year-old Anagor Rapuluchukwu—were apprehended in Ifite Village, Oko. Both suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the notorious Beggars’ Confraternity and named “Kiss Me” as their armourer.

A Beretta pistol was recovered during the arrest, adding weight to the suspects’ confession and providing crucial evidence linking them to organized criminal activity. Investigations are ongoing, and police say they are working to identify and dismantle the wider network.

Elsewhere, four additional suspects—Chukwuka Usulor, Chukwuemeka Michael, Ikenna Oke, and Ebuka Okeke—were caught red-handed while allegedly tampering with electrical infrastructure at the permanent site of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko. The quick reaction of security operatives led to their arrest and the recovery of numerous bundles of stolen electric cables, which had been targeted for resale.

Residents of Oko and nearby communities have expressed cautious relief at the arrests. For over a year, the area has been plagued by cult-related violence and frequent acts of sabotage, with many incidents attributed to the same criminal group. “Kiss Me,” in particular, is suspected to have orchestrated several attacks against community leaders and local traders dating back to 2023.

The police say they are stepping up their search for the fugitive and are calling on members of the public to provide any information that could lead to his capture. Ikenga emphasized that no effort will be spared in tracking down the suspect, who is regarded as a linchpin in both cult operations and illegal arms distribution across the state.

Anambra State has witnessed a surge in cult clashes, gun-related crimes, and infrastructure theft in recent months, prompting security agencies to increase their presence and operational intensity. Similar arrests have been made in towns like Nnewi and Ihiala, reflecting a broader pattern of organized criminal activity tied to rival cult factions.

The Police Command has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on criminality and vowed to maintain pressure on these groups until peace is fully restored. SP Ikenga assured that the ongoing operations will continue to target known hideouts and collaborators, warning that anyone found aiding fugitives would face the full force of the law.

Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. As the hunt for “Kiss Me” continues, the authorities remain focused on breaking the cycle of violence and reclaiming the affected communities from the grip of lawlessness.