By Kamsi Anayo
The Anambra State Police Command, has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the murder of three Cameronian nationals in the state.
The gang reportedly kidnapped and murdered the victims in November 2025 and dumped their bodies in a river in Anambra West Local Government Area of the state. Some days later, police operatives found their decomposing bodies floating on the river.
Following the discovery, the command launched an investigation which led to the arrest of two suspects who had been assisting with information.
However, in a statement released on Monday, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said that through the confession of the two suspects already in custody, four more suspects were arrested by security operatives on February 13, 2026.
He said the suspects, all males, include the alleged Chief Priest of a shrine, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, also known as “Ugoebenajah,” aged 27 years, Nwabunne Bright (27 years), Chinecherem Chiama (21 years) and Michael Ekwunife (38 years) respectively.
According to him, the team also recovered two pump-action guns, one locally made Beretta pistol, one machete, assorted charms, expanded ammunition, ten live cartridges and five live 9mm ammunition in Nando community, Anambra East Local Government Area.
“This feat was recorded on Feb. 13, 2026. Given the confession of the two earlier arrested suspects in custody, the Command Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu swiftly mobilised to the identified shrine in Nando.
“On approaching the shrine, about thirty able-bodied men were observed gathered at the premises. Upon sighting the Police, the armed men opened fire on the operatives.
“The Police operatives responded professionally, engaging the armed men in a gun duel though the prime suspect, Uchenna Mmaduamaka Nicholas, a native of Oroma Etiti Anam escaped alongside other gang members with bullet wounds.
“Also during the gun battle, one of the arrested armed suspects sustained a bullet injury on the thigh and was immediately taken to a hospital where he is currently receiving medical treatment,” Ikenga stressed
He said the arrested suspects were currently undergoing interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang.
“The Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and urges members of the public to continue to provide useful information that will aid ongoing investigations.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” he added.
