Police Arrest 30 Suspects For Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Other Crimes In Anambra

Anambra State Police have arrested 30 suspects in connection with kidnappings, armed robbery and cultism, among other crimes.

Commissioner Aderemi Adeoye said the Anambra State Police Command arrested the suspects before, during and after the gubernatorial elections held in November. The arrested include six suspected cult members, nine suspected armed robbers, 12 suspected kidnappers and three suspected insurgents.

"We also rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered 40 rounds of ammunition and 11 vehicles from the criminal gangs within the period under review," he said Monday, Tribune Online reported.

Police also killed three hoodlums on Dec. 31. Two officers were injured during the operation.

"The State Command went after the hoodlums at their camp at Ogboji in the Orumba South Council Area of the State, where three of the hoodlums were killed. In the process, two police officers were also injured, and they are currently receiving treatment," he added.

"We sacrificed our Christmas and New Year celebrations to make sure Anambra State was safe. It is our delight that people have a peaceful celebration," the commissioner added. "The New Year has started on a good note for the command, there is peace and there is tranquility in Anambra, but the only problem in the state now is the huge traffic congestion we are witnessing here and there."

Adeoye assured people they can now travel from one place to another without any fear of harassment. He thanked the media for the "visibility" and promised to continue the fight against crime.

"We promise to continue with the work we are doing. We will continue to tell you the true report of things without any embellishment," he added.

The commissioner said the department is working to ensure that all routes connected to neighboring states of Enugu and Imo, where the criminals are allegedly operating, are blocked.