No fewer than 20 improvised explosive devices, rifles, and other exhibits during several operations carried out across different parts of the state.
According to The PUNCH, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnaghe Itam, disclosed this to journalists in Awka during a press briefing on Friday.
While parading the suspects, Itam revealed their names: Emeka Okolo (aged 29), from Ihiala, Anambra State; Uchenna John (aged 21), from Ebonyi State; and Victor Iniukpong (aged 31), from Akwa Ibom State. They were arrested while attempting to disconnect the tracker from a car belonging to a victim they had kidnapped on July 15 in Nimo community, Njikoka LGA of Anambra, where they also shot one person dead during the incident.
Itam noted that arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects. He also announced that police operatives and other security agencies had recovered about 20 improvised explosive devices from different parts of the state, where the gunmen had strategically positioned them for detonation.
He said, “The recovered bombs include: Attacking Mile IED (recovered from an ESN camp at Ugbenu, close to Isuaniocha in Awka North LGA); Attacking Mile IED (recovered from Aguluezechukwu ESN Camp); six Light-and-Spark IEDs (recovered from Ogbunka ESN Camp); nine Light-and-Spark IEDs (recovered from an ESN camp); and two Light-and-Spark IEDs (recovered from a vehicle abandoned by the ESN along the Ogbunka axis).”
“We reassure you that the Command will maintain the tempo of operations to restore peace throughout the state. I also want to use this opportunity to assure Ndi Anambra and all those engaged in legitimate businesses that we are prepared to sustain our efforts to restore peace across the state.
“On behalf of all law enforcement and security agencies in the state, I want to say that we understand the magnitude of the trust placed in us to protect life and property. Despite obvious systemic challenges, the officers and men of the command are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all well-meaning citizens, and I am confident that we are winning the fight against crime in the state.”
Regarding the recent spate of kidnappings around Dubai Estate in Awka, the Police Commissioner noted that the Command is investigating to ascertain the true situation.
He warned against the circulation and peddling of unverified security-related information in the media, which, he said, creates panic and could jeopardise police investigations.
He advised anyone with security-related information to contact the police for proper action and response.
Reacting to the proposed nationwide hunger protest, Itam said the Anambra State Police Command would not prevent people from protesting. However, any form of violence or violent protest that threatens the fragile peace in the state would not be tolerated.
He cautioned that some people might attempt to hijack the protest to perpetrate crimes or victimise others, including those not involved.
“I want to state clearly that the Police are mandated to regulate assemblies and protect peaceful protesters, including their routes and locations of interest. However, the Command will not tolerate any violence or any protest that threatens the fragile peace in the state,” Itam added.
