The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five men accused of posing as vigilante operatives to rob members of the public at gunpoint in different parts of the state.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following ongoing investigations into cases of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday in Awka.
“In furtherance of the ongoing investigations on a case of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu have arrested five suspects,” Ikenga said.
He disclosed that items recovered from the suspects include two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, an ash-coloured shuttle bus, face masks, vehicle number plates and other incriminating materials.
According to the police spokesperson, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects disguised themselves as vigilante personnel and used the shuttle bus to carry out their operations.
“During interrogation, the suspects made useful statements, admitting involvement in criminal activities and explaining how they operate under the guise of vigilance operatives,” Ikenga stated.
He added that the suspects are currently cooperating with the police and providing information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the gang.
Ikenga reassured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
He also called on members of the public to continue to assist the police with timely and credible information to help prevent and tackle crime in Anambra State.
