Two Suspects Arrested For Supplying Food, Others To Armed Groups Behind Anambra Killings, Kidnappings

The Anambra State Police Command has said that a joint security team led by its officers on Thursday,

December 11, 2025, dismantled a major logistics network providing food and essential logistics to a criminal group linked to secessionist activities in the state.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, and Agunechemba Unit, acting on credible intelligence in the early hours of December 11, arrested two suspected members of the syndicate at a hideout near Orsumoghu and Aguluezechukwu areas of the state.

The police alleged that the suspects, 28-year-old Mmadubuchi Ike and 34-year-old Chinonso Izunobi, were responsible for supplying food items and other essentials to a secessionist-linked criminal camp believed to be coordinating kidnappings, armed attacks, and other violent crimes in the area.

The police spokesperson added that security operatives also recovered one Type-06 rifle with 10 live rounds, two pump-action guns, and 20 live cartridges during the operation.

Ikenga said preliminary interrogation connected the suspects with “serious offences,” including the murder of a youth leader popularly known as Biggy in the Ukpor area of the state, and multiple kidnapping incidents across the state.

The arrests come amid increased security concerns across Anambra, particularly in communities around Ihiala, Nnewi South, and Aguata, where armed groups linked to secessionist agitation have allegedly intensified attacks in recent months.

There have been several incidents of targeted killings, and kidnappings, including the recent attack on an Anglican church in Lilu community and killing of worshippers including the wife of the cleric.

Residents have reported heightened fear during evening hours, while motorists and travellers have raised alarm over frequent roadblocks by criminal gangs along isolated routes.

However, Ikenga stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to rooting out armed groups threatening peace in the state, especially as the Christmas season approaches.

To this end, the Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu, assures the public that intensive investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend additional members of the syndicate now at large, Ikenga stated.