Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), a specialized tactical arm of the Anambra State Police Command, have sustained their aggressive operations against criminal elements in the state, leading to the arrest of three suspects. The arrests, executed in separate operations on Friday, June 19, 2026, resulted in the recovery of an illicit firearm, ammunition, suspected narcotics, and specialized burglary tools.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the developments in an official statement issued from the Command Headquarters in Awka on Saturday.
Highway Interception and Weapon Recovery
The first phase of the crackdown occurred at midday on Friday along the strategic Igbariam–Achalla Road. While conducting active anti-crime patrols, VCRU operatives intercepted a Daylong motorcycle carrying two individuals.
The suspects, identified as Williams Ndifon and David Missang, both 27 years old, were subjected to an immediate on-the-spot search.
EXHIBITS RECOVERED FROM NDIFON & MISSANG:
├── Firearm: 1 Locally made Beretta pistol
├── Ammunition: 1 Live round
├── Electronics: 6 GSM smartphones & 2 Power banks
├── Equipment: 1 Sledgehammer & 1 Chisel/metal crack tool
├── Narcotics: Quantities of suspected Cannabis Sativa
├── Transport: 1 Daylong Motorcycle
└── Apparel: 1 Black polo shirt inscribed with:
“Nigeria Army Barracks Youths Foundation (NABYF)”
The presence of specialized tools like a sledgehammer and a metal chisel has led investigators to believe the suspects are actively linked to a syndicate specializing in armed robbery, forced residential entries, and commercial break-ins across the local government area.
Intelligence-Led Raid and Cultism Link
Later that evening, at approximately 6:00 pm, VCRU operatives acted on targeted intelligence and moved into the Agukwu Nri community within the Anaocha Local Government Area.
The operation led to the arrest of 21-year-old Oluchukwu Onyekwe. Upon his apprehension, police discovered substantial quantities of dried weeds, heavily suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, packaged for distribution.
From the Investigation Bureau
Preliminary intelligence reports and initial interrogations have linked Onyekwe to a series of recent violent cult-related clashes in the Anaocha axis.
All three suspects remain in police custody under strict interrogation as investigators work to track their criminal networks, supply lines for the illicit weapons, and downstream drug distribution points.
Call for Community Vigilance
The Anambra State Police Command has reiterated its resolve to purge communities of violent crime. On behalf of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga extended appreciation to members of the public whose timely insights often drive tactical successes. He urged residents to remain vigilant and to consistently feed the police with credible information to sustain public peace and state security.
An overview of the ongoing security climate and public address updates in the state can be seen via the Anambra Police Situation Briefing, which outlines how the Command is handling public safety and community relations.
