ABIA POLICE ARREST 13 SUSPECTS OVER ROBBERY, VANDALISM, RECOVER FIREARMS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Abia State Police Command has arrested 13 male suspects aged between 20 and 27 for alleged involvement in armed robbery, vandalism of government property and unlawful possession of firearms.

The command’s spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the arrests were made through intelligence-led operations across the state.

According to her, items recovered from the suspects include one locally made pistol, one locally made single-barrel gun, one Beretta pistol, one pump-action gun, eight live cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, substances suspected to be hard drugs, walkie-talkies, a face mask, two red berets and one black beret.

Chinaka said the command had continued to record successes through its kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, supported by actionable intelligence aimed at reducing criminal activities across the state.

She disclosed that operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit intercepted and arrested Uchenna Agbneiwu, 27, a native of Nkume in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, but residing in Ubakala, Umuahia.

The suspect was allegedly found in possession of a vandalised large galvanised pipeline concealed with sawdust inside a white Toyota Hiace bus. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the group who escaped.

The police spokesperson also revealed that VCRU operatives in Aba North arrested Williams Ifeanyi, 27, of Market Road, Aba, for allegedly dispossessing a victim of a bag and personal belongings at gunpoint along Market Road by Rail.

A pistol and live cartridges were recovered from the suspect.

Chinaka further stated that operatives of the Urratta Divisional Police Station arrested John Chigozie, 25, and David Anyaka, 26, over an alleged armed robbery incident at a hotel in Aba on August 1, 2026. A pistol and live ammunition were recovered from the suspects.

She added that VCRU operatives along Bende Road also arrested suspected members of a violent criminal group during a meeting at Umuezeagwu, Umuahia North, following credible intelligence.

Items recovered from the suspects included a pump-action gun, a Beretta pistol, live cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, suspected hard drugs, walkie-talkies, a face mask and berets linked to the group.

The command said investigations into the cases are ongoing and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, preventing crime and maintaining law and order across Abia State.

It urged residents to support security efforts by providing timely information on suspicious activities to the nearest police station.