The police command in Anambra says it has arrested no fewer than 32 suspected cultists and criminals in raids around the state. 

DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command said in a statement on Sunday in Awka, that the operatives also recovered guns and other dangerous weapons from the suspects.

Mr Ikenga said the raids that led to the arrests was part of the determined efforts to rid Anambra of all forms of criminality.

The suspects were involved in crimes including armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and extortion, the police spokesman said.

“Acting on credible information, the command operatives on March 30  arrested one Ozo Olie Ifeanyi, 43, in his residence at Odoje village, Onitsha and recovered one locally fabricated single barrel pistol and one live ammunition concealed in a bag. 

“He has confessed to be a member of  the Black Axe Cult Group and specialises in robbing unsuspecting members of the public of their valuables. 

“Another suspect, one Ifeanyi Nwobu, 49, from Enugu-Ukwu was arrested on the same date.

“The command also recovered one locally made beretta pistol, one magnum pump action and ammunition from the suspects who have made statements that are useful for investigation,” he said.

Mr Ikenga also said 30 suspected touts, ranging from 17 years to 44 years, were arrested for flouting Anambra State Government’s ban on touting, extortion and illegal revenue collection in the state. 

He said they were nabbed on April 6 around Tarzan Junction, Owerri road, Upper Iweka, Ochanja Junction, Awada road, Head Bridge, Kara Junction and Atani road.

The police spokesman reiterated the resolve of the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Echeng Echeng, to defend the people of the state from all of criminality and insecurity.

“Protection of lives and property, maintenance of law and order will never be taken for granted, we call on residents to increase the level of information they give us,” he stated. 

(NAN)