Police Arrest Suspected Kidnap, Robbery Gang Member in Anambra, Recover Three Guns
The Anambra State Police Command says it has made another breakthrough in its intelligence-driven fight against violent crime with the arrest of a 25-year-old man, Emmanuel Chekwube Mark, allegedly linked to an armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate operating in the state. The suspect was apprehended in the early hours of Aug.
27, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, following credible intelligence.
According to a statement issued in Awka by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operation also led to the recovery of one locally fabricated pistol, two pump-action guns and a military-pattern face cap.
Preliminary investigation and interrogation, the command said, indicated that Mark is allegedly a member of a four-man syndicate involved in armed robbery and kidnapping activities around the Ifite Awka axis. The suspect reportedly disclosed that he and other members of the group, who are currently at large, conspired to abduct unsuspecting members of the public within the area.
He also allegedly confessed to taking part in the abduction of a victim on July 22. The victim was reportedly robbed of his valuables and later allegedly killed, with the remains abandoned in a bush. According to information attributed to the suspect, the gang usually operated with a tricycle, which they allegedly used to stop unsuspecting victims under the guise that the victim had scratched or damaged the vehicle.
The gang would allegedly engage the victim in an argument before overpowering the person at gunpoint and taking the victim to their hideout at Umoji, Ebenebe. At the hideout, the victims were allegedly subjected to torture and dispossessed of their valuables.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case. He also directed the operatives to intensify efforts to track down the fleeing accomplices and other suspected members of the syndicate.
The command reassured residents that it would continue to deploy intelligence-led and proactive policing strategies to prevent and dismantle armed robbery, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime across Anambra State.
