The Abia State Police Command has arrested 13 male suspects, aged between 20 and 27 years, in separate operations targeting armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, cult-related activities, and vandalism of government property across the state.
The arrests, carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Urrata Divisional Police Station between August 1 and August 4, 2026, were made through intelligence-led operations as part of the Command’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Umuahia, said the operations led to the recovery of several firearms and other incriminating exhibits.
According to the statement, operatives of the VCRU intercepted and arrested Uchenna Agbneiwu, 27, a native of Nkume in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, but resident in Ubakala, Umuahia.
He was allegedly found conveying a vandalised large galvanized pipeline concealed with sawdust inside a white Toyota Hiace bus. Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other suspects who escaped.
In a separate operation on August 2, VCRU operatives in Aba North arrested Williams Ifeanyi, 27, of Market Road, Aba, for allegedly robbing a victim at gunpoint along Market Road by Rail. A locally made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from the suspect.
Similarly, operatives of the Urrata Divisional Police Station, acting on credible intelligence, arrested John Chigozie, 25, and David Anyaka, 26, in connection with an armed robbery attack at a hotel in Aba on August 1. Police recovered a locally made single-barrel gun and live ammunition from the suspects, while investigations continue.
The statement further revealed that on August 4, operatives of the VCRU, Bende Road, raided a suspected cult meeting at Umuezeagwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of several members of the group.
Items recovered during the operation included a pump-action gun, a Beretta pistol, six live cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, substances suspected to be hard drugs, walkie-talkies, one face mask, two red berets, and one black beret.
The Commissioner of Police, through the statement, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining law and order across Abia State.
