By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate, including a deserter soldier terrorizing residents of Awka and its environs.
One of the suspects Dominic Oraz, a 38-year-old man reportedly deserted the Nigerian Army in November 2024.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, in a statement on Thursday, said the arrests followed a swift operation by police operatives acting on a tip-off.
According to him, a victim had been abducted while working on his farm in Isiagu, Awka South Local Government Area of the state, and was later released after a ransom was paid.
“Acting swiftly on intelligence, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, stormed the syndicate’s hideout in Notoko, Awka, leading to the arrest of the suspects,” he stated.
The suspects are Michael Nwobodo, male, 30 years old, Eze Friday, male, 29 years old, Uche Okolo, male, 23 years old, Chinedu Gilbert, male, 29 years old and Dominic Oraz, male, 38 years old (a self-confessed deserter of the Nigerian Army)
Ikenga said: “A search of the hideout led to the recovery of several dangerous items and suspected tools of criminal activity.
“The recovered exhibits include: six automatic pump-action rifles, 63 live cartridges, one microscope, five machetes, one military camouflage, two police-issue teargas canisters, one pair of handcuffs and one locally made rocket launcher.
“Other include Assorted criminal charms, three Motorola walkie-talkies, one jackknife, one power bank and ₦26,000 cash.”
Ikenga further disclosed that during preliminary interrogation, Dominic Oraz admitted to having deserted the Nigerian Army in late 2024.
He is currently undergoing further questioning, while necessary inquiries have been initiated with the relevant military authorities to validate his claims and determine the appropriate course of action.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu has commended the operatives for their swift and courageous response.
He urged residents of Anambra to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and proactive in reporting any suspicious activities to the police.
Orutugu also reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating violent crimes across the state and maintaining the safety and security of lives and property.
