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Tag: Anambra

  • Police arrest 200 suspects, secure 100 convictions in Anambra — CP

    Police arrest 200 suspects, secure 100 convictions in Anambra — CP

    The Police Command in Anambra has arrested 200 suspects for various crimes and secured 100 convictions over a seven-month period.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka.

    “The Command arrested 200 suspects for various crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and cultism, among others, between February and August this year,” he said.

    “The Command also secured 100 convictions within the period under review,” he said.

    Orutugu further said that the command recovered over 300 firearms, 1,000 rounds of ammunition, over 30 vehicles and 20 explosives from criminals across the state.

    He revealed that a major highlight was the re-arrest of a suspect in the high-profile kidnap and murder of Mr Justice Azuka, the Labour Party lawmaker for Onitsha 1 Constituency.

    According to him, the results reflect a new level of operational effectiveness and commitment to law enforcement.

    The Commissioner of Police described the development as a strong warning to criminals, stating that no perpetrator of violent crime would evade justice, no matter how long it took.

    He said that the command also inaugurated “Operation Zero Kidnapping” in collaboration with other security agencies to respond to cases of kidnapping for ransom among others.

    “The initiative has drastically reduced kidnapping incidents in the state, restoring confidence among residents and visitors,” he said.

    Orutugu said that during the period under review, the command employed an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) strategy to manage several communal disputes.

    “Including the mediation of the long-standing boundary crisis between Ikenga and Isiokwe villages in Umueri and Aguleri.”

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    According to him, these efforts significantly helped to de-escalate tensions without resorting to violence.

    “To deepen community engagement, the command also trained vigilance operatives across the state on lawful conduct, crime scene management, and intelligence gathering,” he told NAN.

    The CP noted that the command ensured a hitch-free visit by President Bola Tinubu on May 9 and facilitated a peaceful by-election in the state on Aug. 16.

    According to him, the command is fully prepared for the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for Nov. 8.

    “We have done our homework with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). We are just waiting for Nov. 8,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Orutugu assumed office as the 35th CP on Feb. 10.

    (NAN)

  • Gunmen kill four, injure 15 in Anambra burial

    Gunmen kill four, injure 15 in Anambra burial

    Four persons were killed while no fewer than fifteen others sustained varying degrees of injury in a bloody cult-related clash at a burial ceremony in Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    According to reports and videos trending on social media, the incident occurred on Thursday at Ezi Village, Ogidi, when the suspected cultists stormed the scene and opened fire indiscriminately on mourners.

    The clips showed some of the victims battling for their lives at an undisclosed hospital where they were rushed for treatment.

    Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Command had since launched a discreet investigation to identify, trace and arrest the perpetrators.

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    He said preliminary findings suggested that the incident was not unconnected to a clash between rival cult groups.

    According to Ikenga, “Following a distress call in the late hours of September 11, 2025, that armed men suspected to be cultists invaded a burial ceremony at Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North LGA and opened fire on the attendees, resulting in the death of four persons while fifteen others sustained serious injuries.

    “Police Operatives from Ogidi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly mobilized to the scene, restored normalcy, and immediately evacuated the victims to hospitals for medical attention.

    “In the course of the operation, 16 (sixteen) expended cartridges were recovered as exhibits.

    “The Command has since launched a discreet investigation to identify, trace, and arrest the perpetrators, as preliminary findings suggest that the incident is connected to a clash between rival cult groups.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has strongly condemned the incident and assures residents that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to rid the State of cult-related violence and other criminal activities.

    “The Command urges members of the public to remain calm, security-conscious, and to continue to provide useful information by reporting suspicious movements or persons to the nearest Police formation.”

  • Anambra denies new airport project report

    Anambra denies new airport project report

    Anambra State Government has dismissed as false a circulating report suggesting that it had commenced plans to construct a second airport in Ndikelionwu, Orumba North Local Government Area.

    In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, described the publication as speculative and misleading.

    He explained that the assumptions likely stemmed from a recent site visit to the proposed Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City (AMIC), where discussions on multimodal transport systems, including possible railway and airport facilities, formed part of the broader development study.

    The statement reads in part, “The government wishes to categorically state that the report is false and at best speculative.

    “What took place was a technical visit to commence feasibility studies for transport systems that may be required within the AMIC project master plan. No decision has been taken to build an airport at Ndikelionwu.”

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    According to Mefor, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s administration remains committed to its manifesto of transforming Anambra into a smart mega city, anchored on the development of strategic infrastructure.

    The master plan, he noted, integrates a 4,000-hectare industrial hub, a pharmaceutical park, an innovation-driven new city, education and medical facilities, tourism corridors, residential housing clusters, and supporting transport networks.

    He emphasized that while airports and rail systems are being studied as long-term options to service AMIC and its surrounding urban developments, “any eventual decision will be formally communicated through official government channels.”

    Our correspondent gathered that community leaders and stakeholders in the area had earlier expressed gratitude to the state government during a visit to the proposed airport site by some government officials, praising  Soludo’s vision for job creation and industrialization.

    However, the Information Commissioner cautioned the public to ignore speculative reports and rely only on verified government statements regarding major projects.

    The government reiterated its commitment to pursuing industrialization and sustainable growth through transparent, phased, and well-communicated infrastructural initiatives.

  • Hoodlums flee, abandon vehicles as Police foil attacks in Anambra communities 

    Hoodlums flee, abandon vehicles as Police foil attacks in Anambra communities 

    Police in Anambra State have recovered two abandoned but reportedly snatched vehicles in Awka, state capital as well as in Oba in Idemli South local government area.

    Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Saturday, informed the suspects had abandoned the vehicles and fled following coordinated chase by Police Operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka.

    He listed the recovered vehicles as Lexus ES 350 car with registration number Lagos – BDG 350 JR and black Lexus RX 300 Jeep with registration number Anambra – AWK 31 DU.

    He said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the culprits.

    According to him: “Following the security and safety measures put in place by the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, patrols have continued to foil the plans of unrepentant criminals. 

    “To this effect, Police operatives have recovered two abandoned but suspected snatched vehicles in Oba and Awka respectively. Efforts are however ongoing to apprehend the culprits.

    “The swift response and coordinated chase by Police Operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka, led to the recovery of a snatched Lexus ES 350 car with registration number Lagos – BDG 350 JR, along Parkers Road, Awka on 4th September 2025 at about 10.10 pm. 

    “The four armed men, operating in a tricycle without a registration number, had earlier blocked the victim along Ifite Road, Amaenyi, forcing him to abandon his vehicle before they fled the scene with it.

    “Similarly, in the early hours of 5th September 2025, Police Operatives attached to Oba Division received information that a black Lexus RX 300 Jeep with registration number Anambra – AWK 31 DU, had been abandoned by yet-to-be-identified persons around Mummy Hotel axis, along Owerri–Onitsha Expressway, Oba.

    “Upon receipt of the information, Police Operatives moved swiftly to the location and recovered the vehicle which has since been towed to the station for safekeeping.

    “To this end, the Command appreciates the good people of Anambra for their timely and useful information, noting that effective collaboration between the Police and the public remains a key strategy in combating crime.”

  • Many injuried as police destroy insurgents’ camp in five-hour gun duel

    Many injuried as police destroy insurgents’ camp in five-hour gun duel

    Police in Anambra State said they have destroyed one of the militia camps belonging to the Eastern Security Network of the Indigenous People of Biafra (ESN/IPOB) in Aguluezechukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

    Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this on Thursday said the feat was achieved during a raid of the area jointly carried out by the Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and State Vigilante.

    He said several of the insurgents escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds during exchange fire which lasted over five hours.

    He listed items recovered from the camp to include white Lexus 470 SUV and several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

    According to him: “Anambra Police – led Joint Security Force, Aguata, comprising troops from the 302 Artillery Regiment (GS), 14 Field Engineer Regiment, Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Anambra State Vigilante (Agunechemba) in the early hours of 2nd September 2025 carried out a coordinated joint operation at an ESN/IPOB militia camp located in Aguluezechukwu, Aguata Local Government Area.

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    “During the operation, which lasted over five hours, the militia members were successfully dislodged, their camp destroyed, while several of them escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. 

    “A white Lexus 470 SUV and several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were also recovered from the scene.

    “The area has since been stabilized and remains calm as monitoring continues to ensure the safety and security of residents, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

    “The Anambra State Police Command reassures Ndi Anambra of its unwavering commitment to sustaining the fight against criminality and restoring peace across the State.”

  • Anambra fixes August 29 for council polls

    Anambra fixes August 29 for council polls

    Anambra State has selected August 29, 2026 for the election of local government chairmen and councillors. 

    The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) called on all political parties to start obtaining nomination forms along its Enugu-Awka expressway office. 

    A statement by the Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Genevieve C. Osakwe said the exercise is in line with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and Section 23 of the Anambra State Electoral Law, 2024, which empower the Commission to issue election notices.

    Read Also: Man attempts suicide on Anambra high tension pole 

    The commission further announced the election timetable and schedule of activities would be available for collection at the Commission’s office from Friday, November 28, 2025.

    The last council polls held in 2024 with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) winning all the 21 seats while the other political parties withdrew.

  • Man attempts suicide on Anambra high tension pole 

    Man attempts suicide on Anambra high tension pole 

    The Police in Anambra State have rescued a 28-year old man who attempted suicide on a high tension pole in Awada, Idemli North local government area of the state.

    Command Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this on Wednesday said the incident took place Tuesday evening.

    He said Okwudili David was rescued by Police Operatives attached to Awada Division while on the pole located behind Grace of God Mission, off NEPA road.

    Ikenga said it took several minutes of persuasion by Police and some concerned residents to convince the adamant victim to climb down the pole.

    He however said he had since been taken into protective custody at the station.

    According to him: “Anambra State Police Operatives attached to the Awada Division, in the evening of September 2, 2025, successfully rescued a man who attempted to commit suicide by climbing a power transmission high-tension pole situated behind Grace of God Mission, off NEPA Road, Awada.

    “Upon receiving the distress information, the operatives swiftly mobilized to the scene, cordoned off the area to prevent danger, and controlled the large crowd that had gathered. 

    “After several minutes of persuasion by the Police and some concerned members of the public, the man eventually climbed down safely. 

    “He was immediately taken into protective custody at the station, where he identified himself as Mr. Okwudili David Onyiba aged 28 years. 

    “In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Ikioye Orutugu has directed that the victim should undergo proper medical and mental health evaluation. 

    “He further assured that the Command will provide the necessary support to ensure the victim’s well-being.

    “The Command appeals to members of the public to always seek lawful and peaceful solutions to personal challenges, and to reach out to family, friends, or relevant support groups in times of distress.”

  • Three nabbed for defiling minors in Anambra

    Three nabbed for defiling minors in Anambra

    Anambra State Police command has arrested three persons over alleged defilement of minors in some communities in the state.

    One of the suspects identified as Ihechiluru Okorie was said to have defiled a 14-year-old girl in Eziowele, while a 28-year old man, Chidubem Udem, defiled a five-year old girl in Oba.

    The third suspect, one Kalu Ilo, 30, defiled a 13-year-old daughter of his neighbor, said to be mentally challenged in Nkpor.

    Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said the suspects have been arrested and would be charged accordingly.

    He said: “The Anambra State Police Operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Gender Unit have secured evidence for the prosecution of three arrested suspects in separate incidents of defilement reported in Eziowele, Oba and Ogidi Divisions of the State.”

    “The cases are: Police operatives attached to the Oba Division on 19th August 2025, arrested one Ihechiluru Okorie over a case of defilement of a 14-year-old girl.

    “The suspect confessed to forcibly having carnal knowledge of the victim when she came to barb her hair in his shop.

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    “Secondly, on August 13, 2025, Police Operatives attached to the Eziowelle Division arrested one Chidubem Udem ‘M’, aged 28 years over the defilement of a 5-year old girl. 

    “Investigations revealed that the suspect visited the victim at her grandmother’s house, where he forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

    “The victim was immediately taken to the Hospital, where a medical examination confirmed a case of defilement.

    “Furthermore, on August 28, 2025, one Kalu Ilo ‘M’, aged 30 years was arrested by Ogidi Police Operatives over defilement of a 13-year old daughter of his neighbour who is mentally challenged in Nkpor.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly went to the victim’s house, where he forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of the girl.

    “All suspects are in custody and shall be charged court on Wednesday 3rd September, 2025

    “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Ikioye Orutugu condemns the acts strongly and assures the public that the Command will ensure diligent prosecution to secure justice for the victims.

    “He also urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to be vigilant and to promptly report any incidents of sexual or gender-based violence to the nearest Police Station.

    “The CP assured that the Command remains committed to protecting the rights of children and vulnerable persons across the State.”

  • Police nab two over fake kidnap, rescue victim, recover over N1.2m ransom 

    Police nab two over fake kidnap, rescue victim, recover over N1.2m ransom 

    Anambra Police Command has arrested two suspects over a staged kidnap incident.

    Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who stated this on Saturday, said the suspects were arrested following intelligence-led operations by Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.

    According to him, “The suspects identified as Nmesoma Josephine Nwoye, female, aged 23 years, and Chibuike Ogbu, male, aged 24 years, were arrested after intelligence-led operations uncovered that the supposed victim conspired with Chibuike (her boyfriend) to stage her own abduction.

    “The operatives also recovered the sum of ₦1,2m being part of the ransom earlier paid by the girl’s family members.

    “Further information reveals that the suspects demanded ₦15m ransom, and after negotiation, ₦3m was transferred into the victim’s account.”

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    Reacting to the development, Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu described the incident as a reflection of the rising moral decay in the society, where young people are increasingly resorting to criminality for selfish gains.

    He urged parents, guardians, and religious leaders to intensify efforts in inculcating discipline, integrity, and sound values in their children and wards.

    The CP also warned youths against engaging in self-destructive ventures, stressing that the long arm of the law will always catch up with criminals, no matter how cleverly disguised their schemes may be.

  • Anambra bans writing assignments in textbooks

    Anambra bans writing assignments in textbooks

    Anambra State Government has banned the practice of writing assignments inside textbooks, describing it as wasteful and unsustainable.

    Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, announced the directive while addressing participants at the third day of a capacity building workshop organized by Ministry of Education for private school proprietors and teachers.

    She explained that the decision was aimed at making textbooks reusable, especially for younger siblings of pupils who would need them when they advance to the next class. 

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    She also stressed the need for textbooks to be inclusive, reflecting diversity, equality, and the needs of all learners.

    She warned that the government would not tolerate non-compliance with the directive and urged parents, teachers, and school administrators to ensure strict adherence. 

    She also encouraged stakeholders to report cases of defaulters to the Ministry of Education.

    “The initiative is part of the state government’s strategy to ease financial pressure on families while promoting quality and sustainable education,” she added.