25-YEAR-OLD SUSPECT HELD OVER ARMED ROBBERY, KIDNAPPING IN ANAMBRA

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Emmanuel Chekwube Mark, over alleged involvement in armed robbery and kidnapping activities in the state.

Mark was arrested in the early hours of August 27, 2026, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following intelligence-led operations around the Ifite Awka axis of Awka South Local Government Area.

Police said the suspect was allegedly a member of a four-man armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate operating in the area. During the operation, officers reportedly recovered one locally made pistol, two pump-action guns and a military-pattern face cap from him.

According to the state police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, preliminary investigations and interrogation indicated that Mark allegedly worked with other members of the syndicate who are currently at large.

The police further alleged that the suspect confessed to participating in the kidnapping of a victim on July 22, 2026. The victim was reportedly robbed of personal valuables before being allegedly killed, with his remains later abandoned in a bush.

Investigators also alleged that the gang had developed a method of targeting unsuspecting members of the public. According to the police, the suspects allegedly operated with a tricycle, which they used to block intended victims.

The gang would reportedly accuse the victim of scratching or damaging the tricycle and engage the person in an argument. The suspects would then allegedly overpower the victim at gunpoint and take the person to their hideout at Umoji, Ebenebe.

The police said victims were allegedly tortured at the hideout and dispossessed of their valuables.

Following the arrest, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnanna Ama, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case and directed operatives to intensify efforts to track down the fleeing members of the syndicate.

The command said the investigation would also focus on establishing the full extent of the suspects' alleged criminal activities and determining whether they were connected to other robbery or kidnapping incidents in the state.

The police assured residents that intelligence-led operations would be sustained across Anambra in an effort to dismantle criminal networks and prevent further attacks.

Authorities also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending suspected criminals.

Mark remains in police custody as investigations continue, while efforts are ongoing to arrest his alleged accomplices.