Suspected Gang Member Dies After Jumping From Building As Police Foil Criminal Plots In Anambra Major Cities

 

A suspected member of a notorious four-man gang lost his life after a desperate attempt to evade arrest in Onitsha, Anambra State. The dramatic incident unfolded on Friday, August 22, during a security patrol that led to a chase, arrests and significant discoveries pointing to a broader network of criminal activity across the region.

The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that operatives were on routine patrol when they spotted four men carrying black shopping bags branded “Super Shopping.” Their suspicious movements attracted immediate attention, prompting the patrol team to move closer. Once they realized security personnel were closing in, three of the men bolted, leaving one behind.

The lone suspect, whose identity and address remain unknown at the time of reporting, was apprehended along with the bag in his possession. According to Ikenga, the security team began escorting him with the intention of handing him over to the Police for further questioning. However, the suspect made a sudden attempt to escape by leaping from a storey building. His action triggered panic as operatives raced to recapture him.

In the ensuing struggle, the suspect sustained gunshot wounds. He was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed his death. His remains have since been deposited in a morgue pending an autopsy, while the recovered shopping bag and other exhibits linked to the gang are now in police custody. Ikenga further disclosed that the weapon used by the local vigilante group assisting in the operation was also secured.

The Police spokesperson underscored that this incident is only one aspect of the Command’s broader clampdown on criminal networks. On the same day, operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected hideout along Atani Road, Onitsha. The raid led to the arrest of three men identified as Adamu Ali, 25; Usman Sulaiman, 22; and Isah Abdullahi, 26.

The suspects were reportedly caught with bags filled with high-tension cable wires, melted metal remains and critical parts of transformer equipment. Preliminary investigations indicated that the arrested individuals belong to a syndicate specializing in vandalizing electricity infrastructure. Ikenga explained that the stolen installations are often dismantled, melted and transported for sale, with Lagos serving as their main outlet for disposing of the illicit materials.

These operations highlight what authorities describe as a renewed determination to protect public assets and crack down on vandals who cripple essential services. Ikenga emphasized that both incidents reflect the Command’s wider strategy against sabotage and crime. According to him, investigations are ongoing to identify the fleeing accomplices from both cases, while further efforts are in place to trace and recover additional stolen items.

Residents of Anambra have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near power lines, transformers and other government installations. The Police Command believes community cooperation is vital in stamping out the menace of vandalism and theft that threatens both public safety and economic development.

The spokesperson also reiterated the stance of the Anambra State Police Command, stressing that criminal elements who attempt to undermine public utilities or destabilize communities will face decisive action. He described the recent breakthroughs in Onitsha and Obosi as evidence of what can be achieved through intelligence-led policing and sustained operations.

The clampdown has been welcomed by many residents, especially given the frequent cases of power outages linked to vandalism of cables and transformers across the state. Such acts of sabotage have continued to drain resources and slow down socio-economic activities. By dismantling networks of vandals and thieves, security operatives hope to reduce these incidents and restore confidence among communities.

While investigations continue, the Police have assured that details of ongoing findings will be shared with the public. For now, the death of the unidentified gang member and the arrest of the three suspects serve as stark reminders of the risks associated with criminal ventures. Authorities insist that no hiding place will be available for those who choose to endanger lives and disrupt critical infrastructure in Anambra State.

The Police Command also reaffirmed its call for collaboration with local vigilante groups, community leaders and ordinary citizens in order to create a safer environment. Ikenga concluded with a warning that those planning to vandalize or steal government installations should reconsider, as security agencies remain on high alert and will not hesitate to apprehend or neutralize offenders. 

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