Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest of Robbery Suspects and Discovery of Criminal Hideout in Nnewi

 

Two suspected armed robbers believed to be part of a wider cult and kidnapping ring are now in police custody, following a successful operation by law enforcement operatives in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The arrest, which occurred on Thursday, May 1, 2025, was the result of swift action by officers of the Nigeria Police Force attached to Otolo Division in Nnewi, who pursued the suspects in a dramatic hot chase that eventually led to their capture. According to a statement issued on Friday by the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, the operation was launched after police received actionable intelligence about the presence of suspicious individuals linked to recent criminal activities in the area.

Ani Obinna and Okwudili Ezike, both adult males, were apprehended as they attempted to flee a location suspected to be a criminal hideout. The police team, acting on a credible tip-off, mobilized rapidly and tracked the suspects to their den. Upon sighting the officers, the suspects tried to escape, triggering a brief but intense chase through the Otolo–Nnewi axis.

Law enforcement officers managed to corner and arrest the duo, who were allegedly in possession of a foreign-made pistol, three live rounds of ammunition, and a lady’s motorcycle believed to have been stolen. These items were recovered at the scene and are now part of an ongoing investigation.

Authorities say the arrest is not just a random success story, but potentially a breakthrough in dismantling an organized criminal network operating across parts of Anambra State. Ikenga disclosed that preliminary interrogations had already begun, and both suspects have reportedly confessed to being active members of a secret cult as well as a kidnapping gang responsible for terrorizing residents and road users in the region.

Their statements have offered new leads that law enforcement agencies are currently pursuing. Ikenga stated that these leads are expected to help trace other members of the syndicate and reveal the full extent of their operations. He further noted that investigations are being carried out discreetly, with a high level of scrutiny, to ensure that every detail is validated before further arrests are made.

As a result of this development, the police command has intensified security surveillance and patrol in Nnewi and surrounding areas. The aim, according to Ikenga, is not only to prevent reprisal actions from fleeing gang members but also to assure the general public that the safety of lives and property remains a top priority for the state’s law enforcement agencies.

Residents in the area have reacted positively to the news of the arrests, expressing a sense of relief that the police are taking decisive steps to rid their community of violent criminal elements. One local trader, who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, commended the police for their bravery and urged them to go further by rooting out all individuals associated with the gang.

The Anambra State Police Command has assured citizens that it is fully committed to restoring and maintaining peace, especially in commercial and residential hubs such as Nnewi. Ikenga emphasized the importance of cooperation between the police and members of the public, urging individuals to continue providing credible information that can help unmask criminal operations in the state.

This arrest comes at a time when Anambra has been grappling with a resurgence of criminal activities, including cult-related violence and kidnapping for ransom. The successful capture of Obinna and Ezike is being viewed as a significant achievement that could help turn the tide against these threats.

Moving forward, the police command has reiterated its determination to sustain the momentum. Ikenga confirmed that the area remains under close surveillance, and further updates regarding the investigation and any new arrests will be communicated to the public in due course.

By reinforcing community policing strategies and strengthening operational responsiveness, the Anambra State Police Command aims to foster an environment where businesses can flourish and residents can live without fear. The recent breakthrough in Nnewi is seen as a step in that direction—one that sends a clear signal to criminals that there is no hiding place under the watchful eyes of determined law enforcement.