By Praise Chinecherem

A major security operation by the Anambra State Police Command has led to the arrest of three suspects linked to armed robbery, drug peddling, and alleged cult-related activities, with operatives recovering a firearm, ammunition, suspected hard drugs, and other incriminating items.

The arrests, carried out by operatives of the Command’s Rapid Response and Anti-Crime Unit (VCRU), underscore ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat violent crime and drug-related offences across the state.

Confirming the development on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that two suspected armed robbers were apprehended during a routine patrol operation along the Igbariam-Achalla Road.

The suspects were identified as Williams Ndifon and David Missang, both aged 27.

According to Ikenga, a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of a cache of items believed to have been used in criminal operations.

“Operatives of the Command’s VCRU, while on patrol along the Igbariam-Achalla Road, arrested two suspects identified as Williams Ndifon and David Missang, both aged 27 years,” he said.

Items recovered from the suspects included:

• One locally fabricated Beretta pistol
• One live round of ammunition
• One Daylong motorcycle
• Six GSM mobile phones
• Two power banks
• One sledgehammer
• One chisel/metal crack tool
• Quantities of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa
• A black polo shirt bearing the inscription, “Nigeria Army Barracks Youths Foundation (NABYF)”

Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the suspects’ involvement in other criminal activities and whether they belong to a wider robbery network operating within the state.

In a related operation carried out on the same day, June 19, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., VCRU operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested Oluchukwu Onyekwe, 21, at Agukwu Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area.

Ikenga said the suspect was found in possession of substantial quantities of dried weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.

“Acting on intelligence, operatives arrested one Oluchukwu Onyekwe, male, aged 21 years, at Agukwu Nri. The suspect was found in possession of appreciable quantities of dried weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa,” he stated.

Preliminary investigations further linked the suspect to alleged cult-related activities within the community, prompting deeper investigations by security operatives.

“Preliminary investigations also linked the suspect to cult-related activities in the area. He remains in custody while further interrogation and investigations continue,” Ikenga added.

The Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, emphasizing that proactive policing, intelligence gathering, and community collaboration remain critical tools in the fight against crime.

The Command also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing criminal activities.

“The Command urges residents to continue supporting the Police with credible and timely information to enhance public safety and security,” the police spokesman said.

The latest arrests come amid intensified efforts by the Anambra State Police Command to dismantle criminal networks, curb the circulation of illegal firearms, and tackle the growing threat posed by drug abuse and cultism across the state.