The Abia State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities across the state, leading to the arrest of 13 suspected criminals linked to armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, cult-related activities, and the vandalization of government property.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the successful operations were carried out through intelligence-driven policing and coordinated efforts by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and other tactical teams.
The suspects, all males between the ages of 20 and 27, were arrested in separate operations conducted across Umuahia and Aba.
One of the major breakthroughs occurred when VCRU operatives intercepted 27-year-old Uchenna Agbneiwu, a native of Nkume in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State who resides in Ubakala, Umuahia. He was allegedly caught transporting a vandalized large galvanized pipeline concealed beneath sawdust inside a white Toyota Hiace bus. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who escaped during the operation.
In another operation carried out on August 2, 2026, officers attached to the VCRU in Aba North arrested 27-year-old Williams Ifeanyi of Market Road, Aba. Investigators alleged that the suspect robbed a victim at gunpoint along Market Road by Rail, carting away a bag and other personal belongings. A locally made pistol and live cartridges were recovered from him during the arrest.
The Command also disclosed that operatives of the Uratta Divisional Police Station, acting on credible intelligence, arrested John Chigozie, 25, and David Anyaka, 26, over their alleged involvement in an armed robbery attack at a hotel in Aba on August 1, 2026. During the operation, officers recovered a firearm and live ammunition, while investigations continue.
In a separate intelligence-led raid on August 4, 2026, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit along Bende Road arrested suspected members of a violent cult group during a meeting at Umuezeagwu in Umuahia North.
The police recovered several dangerous exhibits from the suspects, including a pump-action gun, a Beretta pistol, locally made firearms, multiple live cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, walkie-talkies, a face mask, two red berets, one black beret, and substances suspected to be hard drugs.
The Abia State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and swift law enforcement operations.
Residents of the state were encouraged to support ongoing security efforts by providing useful information to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, and 08079210006.
The statement concluded with a renewed appeal to members of the public to remain vigilant and embrace the slogan: “See Something, Say Something.”
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The press release was signed by DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, on August 4, 2026.
