The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a four-man suspected criminal syndicate specialising in robbing unsuspecting residents, particularly students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, of their phones and other valuables.
The suspects are Nnaji Chidera (19), Chijioke Mmaduabuchi (21), Wisdom Ogbonna (19), and Afamefuna Egbe (20).
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Tuesday.
SP Ikenga revealed that the suspects were apprehended by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Akwuzu, in the early hours of August 25, 2025, while on night patrol along the Agu Awka/Ifite Awka axis following the interception of a tricycle.
“Exhibits recovered are 9 brands of phones, including the victim’s iPhone, one laptop, two tricycles with registration numbers LSD 464 QP and BLF 552 VH, four different tricycle plate numbers, and a substance suspected to be a hard drug,” the statement noted.
The spokesperson said that upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of a criminal syndicate specialising in robbing students within the Awka axis.
“They further revealed that the multiple tricycle plate numbers found with them were usually used to disguise their operational vehicles whenever they embarked on armed robbery,” he added.
Reacting to the arrest, the Anambra Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their swift response and urged youths to desist from crime.
CP Orutugu warned that the Command will not relent in ensuring that criminals face the full weight of the law.
