The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate in Awka.

The suspects were apprehended on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, after police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, stormed their hideout at Notoko, Awka, following credible intelligence.

The arrest came in the wake of a report that a victim was abducted from his farmland in Isiagu, Awka, and later released after ransom was paid.

Those arrested include Michael Nwobodo (30), Eze Friday (29), Uche Okolo (23), Chinedu Gilbert (29), and Dominic Oraz (38), a confessed deserter of the Nigerian Army.

Items recovered from the gang include six pump-action guns, 63 rounds of live cartridges, five machetes, one microscope, one robber’s rocket launcher, a military cap, two police teargas canisters, handcuffs, three Motorola walkie-talkies, a jack knife, a power bank, criminal charms, and ₦26,000 cash.

During interrogation, Oraz confessed to deserting the Nigerian Army in November 2024. Police say inquiries are ongoing with the relevant authorities to aid prosecution.

Commending the operatives for their gallantry, the Commissioner of Police, Dr. Ikioye Orutugu, urged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities. He assured the public of the Command’s “unwavering commitment” to tackling violent crimes across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, August 28, 2025.