The Anambra State Police Command on Monday arrested a four-man armed robbery gang that has been terrorizing residents of Awka and its environs, particularly within the Agu Awka and Ifite Awka areas.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, disclosed that the arrested syndicate specialized in robbing unsuspecting residents,most notably students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka of their phones and other valuables.
According to SP Ikenga, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Akwuzu, while on night patrol in the early hours of August 25, 2025, along the Agu Awka/Ifite Awka axis, intercepted a tricycle and apprehended four suspects.
The arrested individuals are identified as Nnaji Chidera, male, 19 years,Chijioke Mmaduabuchi, male, 21 years,Wisdom Ogbonna, male, 19 years and Afamefuna Egbe, male, 20 years
Items recovered from the suspects include nine mobile phones, among them the victim’s iPhone,one laptop, two tricycles bearing registration numbers LSD 464 QP and BLF 552 VH, four different tricycle license plates, and a substance suspected to be a hard drug.
Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a criminal syndicate that targets students within the Awka axis.
They further admitted to using multiple tricycle plate numbers to disguise their operational vehicles during robbery operations.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their swift and effective response.
He urged youths in the state to shun criminal activities and warned that the Command remains resolute in ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.
