Kidnapping, Armed Robbery Syndicate Arrested; Weapons Recovered

Police operatives in Anambra State have arrested four suspected members of a notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate, recovering firearms and ammunition in a major breakthrough.

The suspects, 31-year-old Chigozie Igboekwu, 23-year-old Odumegwu Chibuike, 40-year-old Jonah Awudu, and 33-year-old Okechukwu Nwari, were apprehended in the early hours of September 1 by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu at the Amansea, near Awka, following an intelligence report.

During the operation, two pump-action guns and nine live cartridges were recovered from the suspects, who police say have all voluntarily confessed to their crimes.

According to their statements, the group conspired and kidnapped two victims on August 12, 2025, around 7:00 p.m. in Amansea. The victims were held captive for two days in a bush at Ugwuoba, Enugu State. The gang reportedly demanded and received a ransom of ₦5,000,000 before releasing their captives.

The case was initially reported at the B Division in Awka and later transferred to the RRS unit on August 14 for further investigation.

According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Spokesperson of the Command, the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation, while police operations continue to track down other members of the syndicate.