From Chuks Collins, Awka
The 24-hour security dragnet spread by Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state to fight crime, chase armed robbers and kidnappers out of the state, storm their hideouts, command posts and control bases and to nip their sources of arms supplies has continued to yield huge and commendable returns. The latest was the parading of 16 armed robbery and kidnap suspects who were trailed to and arrested in both Lagos and Enugu states by the state police command.
The apprehended suspects include one Chinedu Chukwudi, a native of Okija in Ihiala LGA and members of his gang who were arrested in the act robbing a victim of N66, 000 and raping his wife who was 9 months pregnant at Okija, Anambra state.
The Police Public Relations Officer,(PPRO) Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka who spoke to journalists at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Headquarters, Awkuzu, said the collaboration between the police and state government was yielding the desired results.
Recovered from them, according to police were of 2 rifles, 6 pump-action guns, 2 locally-made pistols, gun servicing accessories, six magazines and some quantities of live cartridges.
According to the PPRO ?the breakthrough the security agencies are having in crime prevention and arrest of criminals across the state is a clear indication that the support of the Governor of Anambra State and the people is working and should be encouraged so as to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizens.?
Chukwuemeka, explained that one Christian Uba who obtained a Diploma Certificate from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka was arrested in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State for kidnapping and detaining a female students of the same University who is said to be his third victim; while Augustine Nwafor from Ifite Awka and Ndubuisi Agbom from Ezza, Ebonyi who specialized in robbing commuters through the one-chance technique were also nabbed by the police.
He also disclosed that one Cosmas Achum, a member of the notorious Onye-Uke Gang that allegedly kidnapped many people and carried out heinous crimes across the state was also arrested, while Chukwubuike Anyamele and Chukwuemeka Nmaduabuchi whom he said had been in police wanted list for alleged kidnapping was also caught as well as one Chiagolum Ihejiagwa whom he described as a major receiver of stolen goods, especially vehicles.
One of the kidnap suspect Okechukwu Nnegbo from Agu-ukwu-Nri was arrested onboard a South-Afrca bound aircraft at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The king-pin the PPRO said is already helping the police in their investigations. Also in SARS net are Chibuzo Ugwummadu and Ifeanyi Eneke from Oba who were arrested for kidnapping a transporter popularly known as 2nd Tarzan from the same community.??Mr Chukwuemeka explained that the duo demanded and obtained N5 million ransom from the wife of the victim through one Nzube, an informant and cousin of the victim who aided the Kidnappers in their operation but turned round to defraud them of the money but luck deserted him when they caught and killed him and threw him inside the river. The ransom was subsequently recovered where it was hidden in the forest. The PPRO urged the people of the State to continue to assist the police with useful information to rid the State of all forms of crime.
Another suspects, Christian Uba admitted that he had kidnapped three students from the UNIZIK and was arrested after kidnapping his girl friend, one Lilian in October last year. In his own reaction, the armed robbery and rape suspect, Chinedu Chukwudi said he was arrested after robbing the victim and raping his pregnant wife.
Also the kidnap suspect arrested in??a South Africa-bound flight, Okechukwu Nnegbo confirmed that he had been involved in three kidnap operations with another suspect (name withheld) still on the run.
