Police Arrest 13 Suspects, Recover Firearms in Abia Crackdown

The Abia State Police Command has arrested 13 suspected criminals in separate intelligence-led operations aimed at combating armed robbery, cultism and the vandalism of government property across the state.

Police spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and various divisional formations carried out the operations.

Among those arrested was a 27-year-old suspect intercepted at Ubakala in Umuahia while allegedly transporting a vandalised large galvanised pipeline concealed beneath sawdust in a Toyota Hiace bus. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate who escaped.

In a separate operation, VCRU operatives in Aba North arrested another 27-year-old suspect for allegedly robbing a victim at gunpoint along Market Road in Aba. A locally made pistol and live cartridges were recovered.

Police also arrested two suspects in connection with an alleged armed robbery attack at a hotel in Aba, recovering a firearm and live ammunition.

In another operation, officers raided a suspected cult meeting in Umuezeagwu, Umuahia North, leading to the arrest of several suspects. Recovered items included a pump-action gun, a Beretta pistol, live cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, suspected hard drugs, walkie-talkies, a face mask, two red berets and one black beret.

The police said investigations are ongoing and all suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. The command also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.