Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested a suspected cultist and armed robber and recovered a firearm, ammunition, and a suspected stolen vehicle in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest was made by officers attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Enugu Ukwu, during an evening patrol on October 16, 2025.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operation took place along the Ukpomili–Ifitedunu Road.
Ikenga said the operatives, who were on an Aberdeen patrol, intercepted a black-coloured Lexus vehicle with registration number RSH 613 AZ.
The vehicle was reportedly driven by one Chiemerie Udeh, a 22-year-old male suspect.
During a thorough search of the car and the suspect, the police recovered one locally made pistol and five rounds of live ammunition.
Following the discovery, the suspect was immediately apprehended, and the exhibits—including the firearm, ammunition, and vehicle—were taken into custody for further investigation.
Preliminary investigations, according to the statement, indicate that the vehicle may have been stolen prior to the arrest.
The police further suspect that the vehicle was being used for a planned cult-related attack in the area.
The Command noted that the suspect is currently assisting the police with useful information to aid ongoing investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their alertness and professionalism during the operation.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining the ongoing fight against cultism and violent crimes across Anambra State.
CP Orutugu assured residents that the Command will continue to intensify patrols and intelligence-led operations to ensure safety and peace.
He also urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and to promptly report suspicious movements or criminal activities to the nearest police formation.
The police emphasized that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network
