Abia Police Arrest Four Suspected Criminals, Recover Firearms, Ammunition and Weapons in Security Operations
The Abia State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities with the arrest of four suspected criminals, including three alleged cultists, during separate security operations across the state. The operations led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons, reinforcing the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Olokoro, carried out a successful intelligence-led operation on July 7, 2026.
The police disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that about 50 suspected criminals had converged around the Ubakala axis for suspected cult-related activities. Acting swiftly on the information, security operatives stormed the area, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Obioma Nmeribe, 22; Emmanuel Lekwechi, 25; and Ikemefulla ThankGod Amadi, 25.
During the operation, officers recovered a Beretta pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition, a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, one live round of ammunition, two black berets believed to be linked to cult activities, a cutlass and a digger.
In another coordinated operation carried out on July 6, 2026, police officers working alongside other security agencies under Operation Crush arrested Bright Nnabugu, 31, from Umuobasi in Ugunabor Local Government Area.
The suspect was reportedly found in possession of a locally made single-barrel gun, one expended cartridge, a cutter and high-tension wire allegedly connected to the vandalisation and theft of government infrastructure.
The Abia State Police Command stated that investigations into both incidents are ongoing and assured that all suspects will be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, commended the officers involved and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of preventing crime.
He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to combat cultism, violent crime, vandalism and other criminal activities across Abia State. The Commissioner also encouraged members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements and security threats through the nearest police station or the Command’s emergency response channels.
The latest arrests underscore the Police Command’s sustained efforts to strengthen security and protect lives and property across Abia State through intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with residents.
