Police Arrest Ex-Soldier, Four Others Over Armed Robbery and Kidnapping in Anambra

A collection of seized firearms and equipment including automatic guns, cartridges, and police gear.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

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The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang, including a confessed deserter of the Nigerian Army, in Awka, the state capital.

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In a statement on Thursday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operation was carried out on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu, following intelligence on the abduction of a farmer in Isiagu, Awka.

The victim was reportedly released after an undisclosed ransom was paid. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives stormed the gang’s hideout in Notoko, Awka, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

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Arrested Suspects

The suspects were identified as 38-year-old Dominic Oraz, a confessed deserter of the Nigerian Army; 30-year-old Michael Nwobodo; 29-year-old Eze Friday; 23-year-old Uche Okolo; and 29-year-old Chinedu Gilbert.

Recovered exhibits included six automatic pump-action guns, 63 rounds of live cartridges, one microscope, five machetes, a military cap, two police teargas canisters, handcuffs, a robber’s rocket launcher, criminal charms, three Motorola walkie-talkies, one jack knife, a power bank, and ₦26,000 cash.

During interrogation, Oraz admitted deserting the Nigerian Army in November 2024.

Ongoing Investigation

Ikenga stated that investigations are ongoing, particularly concerning the deserter soldier, in collaboration with military authorities to guide further police action and prosecution of all suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their swift action and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities. He reassured Ndi Anambra of the Command’s unwavering commitment to tackling violent crimes across the state.