Police arrest 25-year-old suspected kidnapper in Anambra, recover three firearms

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Emmanuel Mark, for alleged armed robbery and kidnapping.

Mark was also alleged to be a member of a four-man syndicate operating around the Ifite Awka axis of Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

According to a press statement issued on Friday, the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following intelligence-led operations.

Ikenga added that items recovered during the operation included one locally fabricated pistol, two pump-action guns and one military-pattern face cap.

He described the operation as another significant breakthrough in the command’s ongoing intelligence-led operations against violent crime.

The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Emmanuel Chekwube Mark, for armed robbery and kidnapping.

“The suspect was arrested in the early hours of August 27, 2026, following credible intelligence. Items recovered during the operation include one locally fabricated pistol, two pump-action guns and one military-pattern face cap.

“Preliminary investigation and interrogation revealed that the suspect is allegedly a member of a four-man armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate operating around the Ifite Awka axis of the state.

“The suspect further disclosed that he allegedly conspired with other members of the syndicate, who are currently at large, to kidnap unsuspecting members of the public within the area.

“The suspect also allegedly confessed to his involvement in the kidnapping of a victim on July 22, 2026. According to his statement, the victim was dispossessed of his valuables and subsequently allegedly murdered, with his remains abandoned in a bush.”

Ikenga explained that the suspect further disclosed that he and other members of the syndicate usually operated with a tricycle, which they allegedly used to block their intended victims under the pretext that the victim had scratched or damaged the tricycle.

“The gang would then allegedly engage the victim in an argument, overpower the person at gunpoint and forcefully take the victim to their hideout at Umoji, Ebenebe, where the victims were allegedly tortured and dispossessed of their valuables,” he added.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnanna Ama, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case and directed the operatives to intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing accomplices and other members of the syndicate.

“The command assures the people of Anambra State that it will continue to sustain intelligence-led and proactive operations aimed at preventing and dismantling armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent criminal activities across the state,” the statement added.