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The Anambra Police Command has apprehended a suspected member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the State.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Awka.

He attributed the success to the security strategy of Anambra Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, on security surveillance, strengthened visibility policing, and expanded routine and targeted patrols day and night.

“Police operatives attached to the Ozubulu Police Division, working in collaboration with the Ozubulu Central Vigilance on Nov. 30, arrested Emmanuel Osuigwe at Amakwa, Ozubulu,” he said.

Ikenga explained that the suspect was observed behaving suspiciously and attempted to conceal himself upon sighting the joint patrol team.

He said that the suspect was immediately apprehended, and a search conducted on him led to the discovery of a handcuff wound and the recovery of a handcuff.

The command spokesman said that during preliminary questioning, the suspect claimed to be a member of the proscribed secessionist group.

He also said that the suspect claimed that he recently escaped from a secessionist camp at Ukpor, following a disagreement with other members.

Ikenga said that the suspect is in police custody and undergoing further interrogation.

“He has provided useful information that is aiding ongoing investigations,” he said.

The command reassured residents of continued efforts to maintain peace, security, and public safety across the state. 

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Anambra Police Command has said that there will be restriction of vehicular movements in, out and across the state, owing to the governorship election on Saturday.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Awka.

The Anambra Police Command wishes to inform the general public that there will be a total restriction of vehicular movements in, out, and across the state on Saturday, being the day of the governorship election,” he said.

Ikenga said that the restriction takes effect from 12.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday, and shall affect all roads within the state including interstate highways.

He explained that the measure was in line with the unanimous decision reached at the meeting of the Security Services Commanders in the state held in Awka on Wednesday.

According to him, the decision is aimed at preventing the movement of political thugs and other criminal elements who may attempt to disrupt the electoral process.

The police spokesman said that the  restriction applies to all forms of motorised transportation, including private vehicles, commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles, motorcycles and shuttle buses.

“Therefore, all intended interstate travelers intending to travel through any part of the state are advised to take alternative routes during this period,” he said.

He said that only persons on essential duties such as designated Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, accredited journalists and election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders and essential services providers would be exempted.

According to him, such persons must carry valid identification and clearance tag at all times.

Ikenga urged residents to comply with the security arrangement, as it was  designed to safeguard lives and property, ensure a peaceful election atmosphere and guarantee that voters freely exercise their right to vote their preferred candidate.

The Command called on the electorate to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel who have been deployed across the state to enforce the directive and maintain order.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Anambra Police Command says it has dismantled an armed robbery and kidnap syndicate with the detention of five suspects in Isiagu, near Awka, the state capital.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Awka on Thursday.

Ikenga stated that the suspects were caught, following a report that somebody was abducted in his farm at Isiagu, and later released after ransom was paid.

“The command in a swift operation on August 27, caught five suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate.”

According to him, acting on credible intelligence, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu stormed the suspects’ hideout at Notoko, Awka.

“The operation led to the detention of the following persons: Michael Nwobodo, male, 30, Friday Eze, male, 29, Uche Okolo, male, 23, Chinedu Gilbert, male 29 and Dominic Oraz, male, 38,” the PPRO added.

He further stated that some of the exhibits recovered from the suspects, included six automatic pump-action guns, 63 rounds of live cartridges, one microscope, five machetes, one military cap, two police teargas canisters and handcuffs.

Other items were one rocket launcher, charms, three Motorola walkie-talkies, one jack knife, one power bank and ₦26,000 cash.

The police spokesman said that during interrogation, Oraz confessed to having deserted the Nigerian Army in November 2024.

He said that the command had commenced enquiry with the army authority to guide the police action and prosecution of other suspects.

9News Nigeria