Anambra: Joint Security Team Arrests 9 Suspects, Recovers Ammunition.
By Chizoba Njaka
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Nnaghe Obono Itam, has announced the arrest of nine suspects in connection with the abduction and murder of the late Honourable Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
Speaking at the State Police Headquarters in Awka, Itam revealed that the murder of Honorable Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North Constituency 1, has driven the Command to intensify its intelligence gathering and conduct a discreet investigation. Azuka was abducted on December 24, 2024, in Onitsha.
He explained that on February 6, 2025, a Joint Security team, comprising police and AVG operatives, discovered the lifeless body of the abducted member at the Second Niger Bridge during a rescue mission. Following an intelligence-led operation, the police, in collaboration with Anambra State Vigilante Operatives, arrested nine suspects directly involved in the incident and recovered two pump-action guns. During a gun duel with the police, one of the suspects sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
The Commissioner announced that the Command Operatives have successfully apprehended Chidiebere Nwosu, a key kidnapping suspect in Uruagu, Nnewi, and neutralized several gang members involved in the attack on Rapid Response Squad personnel following an arrest on October 3, 2024. Furthermore, the operatives have neutralized over 100 notorious criminals and dismantled numerous criminal camps in various locations, including Ufuma, Eziowelle, Achalla, Ogbaru, and other areas within the state.
Itam used the opportunity to express his gratitude to Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Governor Soludo, and other agencies and the media for their unwavering support during his nine-month tenure in Anambra State, ensuring public trust in the police and security agencies is maintained and valued.