Imo Awka Festival: Man, 25 Arrested During Police Raid on Black Spots in Awka

By Praise Chinecherem

Operatives of thebAnambra State Police Command have arrested a 25-year old man, Nasiru Samaila during raid and discreet operations on some identified black spots in Awka and its environs.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the raid was aimed at ensuring a crime-free celebrations of the Imo Awka festival.

He said the operatives also recovered one locally made Beretta pistol, one live ammunition, one knife, a large quantity of substance suspected to be hard drugs, in Awka.

He said the suspect, in a bid to escape started shooting indiscriminately, but was subdued by the Police team who fired him on his right leg.

According to him, one of the police operatives, unfortunately sustained a gunshot injury and has been taken to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatment.

Ikenga said, “Anambra State Police Command has intensified raid and discreet operations on some identified black spots in Awka and its environs. This is aimed at ensuring a crime-free celebrations of the festival.

“The command acted on information received overtime on how miscreants, under the guise of celebrating the Imoka festival, engaged in criminal activities, and becoming unruly, make life unbearable for the good people of the State, especially residents and indigene of Awka.

“Given the above, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Respond Squad (RRS) Awka sector in the late evening of the 19th of May, 2025 arrested one Nasiru Samaila ‘M’ aged 25 years.

“They have also recovered one locally made Beretta pistol, one live ammunition, one knife, a large quantity of substance suspected to be hard drugs, in Awka.

“The suspect in a bid to escape started shooting indiscriminately, but was subdued by the Police team that fired him on his right leg.

“Unfortunately, one of the police operatives sustained a gunshot injury and has been taken to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatment.

“The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to enforcing the law and ensuring public safety.”