The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended two syndicates notorious for extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public through menacing threats. 

The arrests follow a series of meticulous investigations conducted by police operatives in Ozubulu and Umunze.

DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the state police spokesman, disclosed the details of the operations in a statement released on Thursday. 

He highlighted the painstaking efforts of police teams in both Ozubulu and Umunze, emphasizing their dedication to combating extortion and safeguarding the public.

“Police operatives in Ozubulu and Umunze towns in Anambra State have smashed two deadly syndicates extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public via deadly threats.

“At Umunze, Orumba South LGA Headquarters, two suspects were nabbed after painstaking investigation.

“The suspects had sent text messages to their victim identifying themselves as members of Eastern Security Network and demanding that he pay them a huge sum or else he and his daughter would be kidnapped and killed,” the statement read.

The suspects, who are currently in custody, will face charges in court shortly.

Similarly, police operatives in Ozubulu arrested a male suspect who had been using two different phone lines to send threatening messages to a businessman. Posing as an ESN Commander, he demanded payment from the victim, threatening death if his demands were not met.

Through a combination of technological expertise and human intelligence, detectives tracked down the suspect’s hideout, leading to his arrest and the recovery of the two mobile phone lines used for the extortion attempts. Currently in custody, the suspect will also face court proceedings.

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, commended both DPOs for their diligence and unwavering commitment, which resulted in the identification and apprehension of the suspects. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to providing continuous support and motivation to its personnel across the state, ensuring optimal performance and upholding public safety.