ANAMBRA POLICE RECOVER LOCALLY MADE PISTOL AS SUSPECTED BIKE SNATCHERS ESCAPE

The Anambra State Police Command has recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and a live round of ammunition after two suspected motorcycle thieves fled from officers during a chase in Nnewi, Nnewi South Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on the morning of Thursday, September 3, 2026, along Ukpor Road in the Umudim area of Nnewi. According to the police, officers attached to the Nnewi Central Police Station were conducting a routine patrol when they noticed two men riding a motorcycle under suspicious circumstances.

The officers reportedly moved to stop the suspects, but the two men allegedly attempted to escape on the motorcycle. Police operatives subsequently pursued them along the road as the suspects tried to evade arrest.

During the chase, the suspects reportedly abandoned a bag that fell from them as they attempted to get away. Officers retrieved the abandoned bag and conducted a search, leading to the discovery of the fabricated Beretta pistol and one live cartridge.

The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the recovery in a statement issued on Thursday. He said the operation was part of the command’s routine patrol activities aimed at preventing criminal activities and protecting residents across the state.

Ikenga said the two individuals suspected of attempting to snatch motorcycles managed to escape before they could be arrested. He added that police operatives had commenced efforts to identify and locate the fleeing suspects so they could be brought in for questioning and further investigation.

The recovered firearm and ammunition have been retained by the police as exhibits while investigators work to establish the identities of the suspects and determine whether they are connected to other motorcycle theft or robbery incidents in the area.

The police spokesperson reiterated the command’s determination to maintain pressure on criminal elements operating in Anambra. He assured residents that security personnel would continue patrols and other operations designed to detect and disrupt criminal activities before they escalate.

Although the police described the fleeing men as suspected motorcycle snatchers, no suspects have been arrested in connection with this particular incident at the time of the report. The allegations against them therefore remain subject to investigation.

The latest recovery comes amid continued security operations across Anambra, where police and other security agencies have intensified efforts to tackle armed robbery, motorcycle theft, cult-related activities and illegal possession of firearms.

The command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or criminal activity to security agencies, saying cooperation from members of the public remains important in preventing crime and apprehending suspects.