Police Arrest Five Suspected Gang Members, Recover ₦1.45m Worth of Drugs, Fake $100 Note

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a criminal gang and recovered illicit drugs valued at ₦1.45 million, a counterfeit US $100 note, vandalised electrical wires and ₦72,550 in cash.

The arrests were made on Thursday, August 20, 2026, when operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, raided a suspected criminal hideout in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.

The police said the operation was conducted at about 12:48 p.m., leading to the arrest of five male suspects identified as Omogo Obinna, 29; Okechukwu Nwagba, 28; Echezona Okonkwo, 29; Awal Umar, 23; and Ogadinma Boniface, 33.

According to the Command, the items recovered during the raid included substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, Canadian Loud, Black Mamba, Colorado and Loud, as well as vandalised electrical wires.

Other items recovered were ₦72,550 in cash and a suspected counterfeit United States $100 note.

The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were members of a criminal network operating in the area.

The suspects have reportedly made useful statements to investigators and provided information on the identities of other alleged members of the gang.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the operatives for the successful operation and directed that the investigation be conducted thoroughly and professionally.

He also ordered intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the alleged gang and ensure that anyone found to have participated in the criminal activities is brought to justice.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug-related crimes, vandalism and other forms of criminality across the state.

It urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to the police, stressing that community cooperation remains essential to maintaining security in Anambra.