The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 21-year-old suspected armed robber and cultist during a police operation in Awka, as operatives recovered firearms and repelled an ambush by other gang members.
In a statement issued on February 17, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Enugu-Ukwu, carried out a search operation in the early hours of February 16 at a criminal hideout in Amikwo, Awka.
According to him, the suspect, identified as Chukwuka Solomon, allegedly attempted to escape during the operation.
“The Anambra State Police Operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad Enugu-Ukwu in the early hours of 16th February 2026, recorded the death of one Chukwuka Solomon, male, aged 21 years, an alleged armed robber and a notorious cultist. The suspect had attempted to escape during Police search operations in their den at Amikwo,” the statement read.
Ikenga disclosed that during the search, officers recovered one pump-action gun, two locally made pistols, and some expended ammunition.
He further revealed that the operatives came under attack from other gang members but successfully repelled the ambush.
“The Operatives also, successfully repelled the ambush attack by other gang members during the search operations, as blood evidence at the scene shows that some of the armed hoodlums must have escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries,” he stated.
The police spokesperson noted that the suspect was initially apprehended through the efforts of residents of Amikwo, who handed him over to the authorities following allegations that he had been terrorising the community with firearms.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as ‘Baggars,’ and admitted to having operational weapons belonging to the confraternity,” Ikenga said.
He added that the suspect also mentioned working for an individual popularly known as “Aza Man,” who is allegedly linked to criminal activities in Awka and surrounding areas.
“He further disclosed that he works for a notorious individual popularly known as ‘Aza Man,’ alleged to be involved in criminal activities disturbing the peace of Awka and its environs,” the statement added.
The Command said investigations are ongoing, with operatives pursuing leads provided by the suspect to arrest the alleged gang leader and other members.
Reaffirming the police’s resolve, Ikenga quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, as reiterating the Command’s commitment to tackling cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across the state.
“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc mnips PhD reiterates the Command’s commitment to combating cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes in the State,” he stated.
The Command assured that further developments would be communicated in due course.
